Innovation

CROC PITCH RUNNER-UP WINS $1M+ INVESTMENT

This is what happened to US-based logistics drone specialist Blueflite, when the company secured $1 million-plus in venture capital investment shortly after “losing” the contest in 2023. The 6th Croc Pitch contest, sponsored by Paspalis and hosted by the Darwin Innovation Hub, will take place in October 2024. Contestants can receive up to...

Innovation

Australia’s First Carbon-Fibre Hydrogen Fuel Tank Vessel

Blueflite, a company that has received venture capital from a co-investment fund partnership between Paspalis and the Northern Territory’s Local Jobs Fund, is modernising logistics with its advanced cargo drone platform. Recently, Alex Farrugia, Investment Manager at Paspalis, and Frank Noppel, CEO of Blueflite, visited the North Australian...

Innovation

Equatorial Space Systems: Pioneering Space InnovationH150 

Equatorial Space Systems (ESS), a leading innovator in hybrid rocket propulsion, is making significant advancements in the aerospace sector. Founder and CEO Simon Gwozdz recently flew in from Singapore to prepare for the company’s upcoming static firings and test launch campaigns. His visit also marked the finalisation of the US$1.5 million...

Innovation

INVESTING IN DUAL-USE TECH IN THE TERRITORY

Dual-use is not new to the Territory. In 2019, Paspalis invested in awardwinning SPEE3D, which had an innovative approach to 3D printing that allowed for the rapid and cost-effective production of metal parts. Since then, SPEE3D has advanced its capabilities to support critical needs, such as supplying Ukraine’s frontlines with essential repair...

Innovation

Innovating the Top End: Darwin Hub Sparks Entrepreneurial Spirit

The Darwin Innovation Hub (DIH) has been a bustling center of activity and innovation, offering a range of events that have brought together the local business and technology communities. The venue has hosted events that not only cater to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Northern Territory but also aim to foster innovation, growth, and...

Innovation

FROM CONCEPT TO CAPITAL

It's a journey that feels akin to mountaineering – challenging, often unpredictable, yet undeniably rewarding for those who dare to ascend. But how does one embark on such a journey in the Territory with nothing more than an idea in their back pocket? The journey from conception to commercialisation is undoubtedly daunting, especially for...

Business

START NT

The Darwin Inovation Hub is proud to be at the forefront of innovation and growth through Start NT, our incubator program tailored for early-stage startups in the region. HOW TO ACCESS THE PROGRAM Kickstart your journey by scanning the QR Code and registering your interest online. Note that applicants must be current Northern Territory...

Business

SPEE3D WINS RACE

The 3D metal printer Spee3d can rapidly manufacture components in a variety of different metals and alloys. It is being exported to several countries, including the United States, and is breaking into the Defence industry. Steve Camilleri and Byron Kennedy raced the Desert Rose solar car between 1987 and 2005. In 2000, after many...

Innovation

EVENT FATIGUE IS REAL

I get it. Any other time of the year it’s too hot, too humid and too wet in the Top End. And it’s too hot with too many flies in Central Australia. Which makes sense if you’re holding a music festival or a gala ball under the stars. But the weather has nothing to do with an indoor business event, industry awards night or educational...

Business

ROBOTIC HARVESTER SNAPPED UP IN CROC PITCH CHALLENGE

Agricultural Robotics inspired the judges to be part of reshaping an industry and easing the labour challenge. The two runner ups were also from the agriculture sector their prizes supported by the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade. Now in its 5th year, Croc Pitch is Northern Australia’s premier...

Business

THE TERRITORY GOES ON SHOW

The highly successful event will be held in Parliament House, Canberra, on 2 August.  It is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Cabinet Ministers and business leaders.  The inaugural Facing North was held in September 2017 – and it was such a success that it was staged...

Business

INNOVATION, CREATIVITY AND VISION

Thinking creatively and exploiting natural advantages are helping diversify the economy and open the way for the Top End to become a world-class hub of renewable energy and green manufacturing.  What was once considered the Territory’s greatest disadvantage – geography – is now seen as one of its greatest assets as the burgeoning...