On 30th August, 2013 it was formally announced that Austeng was the successful industry partner of the State Government Skilling The Bay Geelong Future Industry Project. This project allocated $500,000 – funding to one innovative project that demonstrated capacity to transfer R&D from Deakin University into local industry to generate business opportunities and sustainable employment as well as training opportunities.

Austeng is working with local bio-tech company Cytomatrix Pty Ltd (in conjunction with Deakin University) who has innovative patented technology relating to “short” nanofibres.  The successful proposal was for the design and manufacture of a pilot scale manufacturing plant to produce nanofibres for use in the medical filtration industry.

At the launch, held at Deakin University in Geelong, the Higher Education Minister Peter Hall said the project was a “great example of how Geelong can build on its existing strengths to create new industry opportunities”.

Cytomatrix CEO Mark Kirkland said “The short nanofibre technology is truly world leading and has enormous potential.  At the centre of the nanotechnology is a nanofibre machine invented by Deakin, built by Austeng and used by Cytomatrix – We don’t want to sell the fibres” (see attached Geelong Advertiser article headed “City’s hi-tech future is here” dated 31/08/12).

See also Geelong Advertiser – ‘Fibres Future for City’ 4-9-13