Local companies get COMET grants

October 12, 2008

Member for Page Janelle Saffin has congratulated two innovative local companies on each being awarded a $64,000 Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) AusIndustry grant.

“I’m delighted that South Lismore’s Axis Cranks Pty Ltd and Teven’s Metal Science Technologies Pty Ltd have on merit won these Federal Government grants to commercialise their great ideas for domestic and export markets,” she said.

“These companies typify the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Northern Rivers business, and we are so fortunate to have them and their factories located in this region.

“I have now visited both sites to better understand the technologies and their commercial potential.”

Axis Cranks and Metal Science Technologies are among 57 Australian small businesses receiving a total of $3.6 million in COMET grants, announced by Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Senator Kim Carr.

Axis Cranks managing director Mark Fisher has spent two years developing a device for measuring force that is applied to the pedals of a bicycle, giving riders crucial data to optimise performance and bike set-up.

Mr Fisher said his invention, developed in collaboration with a retired CSIRO scientist Les Wills, already was being trialled by the Queensland Academy of Sport and could also be applied to measuring the effectiveness of artifical limbs.

Metal Science Technologies has three local directors — inventor Dean Klower, Dr Steve Huntsman and managing director Richard Ray.

The company has spent three years developing a mobile electropolishing machine for post-weld finishing of stainless steel, which it claims is far safer than applying highly toxic pickling paste, which is the most common practice with welders.

The machine recently was featured on ABC TV’s New Inventors program and won its particular episode.

For more information on AusIndustry grants, including how to apply, go to www.ausindustry.gov.au or call the hotline on 13 28 46.

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