TechInvest

07/02/2025

PARKD Limited (ASX: PKD) has inked a five-year exclusive licensing agreement with Fielders Steel Roofing, a division of BlueScope Steel (ASX: BSL), marking a major milestone in its commercialisation strategy.

The deal grants Fielders the exclusive right to manufacture, market, distribute, and sell PARKD’s Metal Deck Support Bracket (MDSB®) and Metal Deck Support System (MDSS®) in Australia. Fielders has also secured the first right to negotiate licensing agreements for key international markets, including the United States, New Zealand, Indonesia, Japan, India, and Canada​.

The signing of this agreement follows two years of extensive R&D, testing, and validation by PARKD’s technical team. A critical component of this process was the completion of two proof-of-concept projects—the Quattro Automotive Myaree project and the John Hughes Forward Street project—which demonstrated the strength, safety, and efficiency gains of PARKD’s system​.

With over 6,000 MDSB® units and 7,000m² of Fielders’ SlimDek 210® product used in these projects, the results exceeded Fielders’ performance expectations, paving the way for the final agreement​.

PARKD’s Managing Director, Peter McUtchen, called the agreement a breakthrough moment for the company:

“PARKD recognised the potential our simple yet ingenious connection system could bring to the broader construction market. This small yet critical invention is the key to unlocking the sector’s aspirations for improved safety, productivity, cost efficiencies, and sustainability.”

PARKD signs a five-year exclusive licensing deal with Fielders, expanding market reach for their Metal Deck Support System in Australia and potentially internationally.

06/02/2025

Wrkr Limited (ASX: WRK) has posted a steady but uneventful second quarter for FY25, with financial metrics largely flat. However, the bigger picture tells a more compelling story, as the company continues laying the foundation for a period of accelerated revenue growth. With key client onboarding and regulatory tailwinds expected to drive major increases in transaction volumes, Wrkr’s short-term financials mask the progress being made in readiness for a transformational shift in its business.

For the quarter ending 31 December 2024, Wrkr reported cash receipts of $1.9 million, a marginal 1% decline on the prior corresponding period. Net operating cash outflows stood at $418,000, reflecting continued investment in platform development, staff expansion, and its growing international presence. The company ended the quarter with $7.2 million in cash, providing a financial runway of nearly seven quarters at current spending levels. While the numbers may not show immediate returns, Wrkr’s management remains confident that the investments made now will translate into meaningful revenue growth over the next 18 months​.

CEO Trent Lund reinforced Wrkr’s focus on ex*****on, stating:

“The groundwork we are laying today will translate into a significant ramp-up in revenue as key superannuation clients migrate to our platform. Our focus remains on ex*****on and ensuring we are fully prepared for the surge in transactions as regulatory changes take effect.”

A recent research note from RaaS Research highlighted that Wrkr’s current share price of $0.052 does not fully reflect its medium-term growth potential. The firm maintained its DCF valuation at $0.078 per share, implying a potential upside of 50%. The valuation is underpinned by assumptions around MUFG client migration, Payday Super, and an eventual increase in direct client acquisitions. Analysts noted that Wrkr’s ability to capitalise on these opportunities could significantly alter its revenue trajectory, with projections of $30 million in revenue by FY27, up from $9.6 million in FY24​.

Wrkr Limited prepares for significant growth with strategic investments and regulatory changes set to drive increased transaction volumes and revenue in the next 18 months.

05/02/2025

India’s latest policy move to eliminate customs duties on critical mineral scrap and waste could have far-reaching implications - not just for the country’s manufacturing sector, but for companies like MTM Critical Metals (ASX: MTM), which is pioneering Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology for efficient critical mineral recovery.

With China’s recent export ban on gallium, germanium and antimony causing major supply chain disruptions, India’s shift towards domestic recycling and alternative sourcing aligns perfectly with MTM’s innovative approach to extracting valuable metals from industrial waste and scrap.

During her February 2025 budget speech, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the removal of customs duties on a range of critical mineral waste and scrap, including:

- Antimony, cobalt, tungsten, and copper scrap
- Lithium-ion battery waste
- Lead, zinc, and cobalt powder

Additionally, India will launch a policy for recovering critical minerals from mining tailings and by-products - a move that signals a broader commitment to resource efficiency and supply security.

Given India’s reliance on imported critical minerals - many of which have become vulnerable due to geopolitical tensions and China’s tightening grip on exports - this policy shift is expected to spur demand for advanced recycling technologies.

MTM Critical Metals has secured exclusive global rights to develop and commercialise Flash Joule Heating (FJH) in relation to materials other than graphene, which is patented by Rice University. The process, which rapidly heats materials using high-voltage currents, enables the efficient extraction of gallium, germanium, rare earths and other high-value metals from complex sources, including electronic waste, industrial residues and mining tailings.

The timing is significant. China’s recent export ban on gallium, germanium and antimony has rattled global supply chains, forcing manufacturers to seek alternative processing and recycling solutions. With India’s removal of import duties on critical mineral waste, there is now a strong incentive for Indian industry players to invest in next-generation recycling technologies - potentially opening doors for MTM’s FJH process to gain traction in the region.

India eliminates customs duties on critical mineral scrap, boosting MTM Critical Metals' recycling technology, Flash Joule Heating, amidst China's export bans on essential materials.

05/02/2025

After a tough year marked by delays and market softness, Fluence Corporation (ASX: FLC) has ended 2024 on a high note, setting the stage for a strong recovery in 2025. The company’s fourth-quarter revenue surged to US$21.2 million, more than doubling any other quarter during the year and delivering a positive EBITDA of US$1.0 million. While the full-year result was impacted by setbacks in its key Ivory Coast project and weaker demand in China, management is confident that the company is now back on track.

Fluence has issued FY 2025 revenue guidance of US$80–95 million, a significant jump from 2024’s US$51.5 million, with EBITDA forecast to turn positive at US$3–5 million. The turnaround comes as the company shifts away from lower-margin, capital-intensive projects and refocuses on its Smart Product Solutions (SPS) and recurring revenue streams—a move that is already paying dividends with improved profitability and a growing order book​.

Fluence’s final quarter of 2024 offered a much-needed boost after what had been a challenging year. The company’s US$21.2 million in revenue for the quarter was a clear sign of momentum building, particularly in its core segments. Gross margins also expanded to 30.1%, reflecting the benefits of its strategic shift towards high-margin business lines​.

New order wins have been steady, with US$9.5 million secured in Q4 alone, bringing total new orders for 2024 to US$50 million, an increase of 5.8% year-on-year (excluding the Ivory Coast Addendum project). The company’s backlog now stands at US$88 million, with US$58.1 million expected to be recognised in FY 2025, covering around two-thirds of its revenue target​.

CEO Tom Pokorsky, who has been leading Fluence’s turnaround strategy, believes the company is now well-positioned for sustainable growth.

“We have realigned our focus to higher-margin products and services, and we’re seeing the benefits of that shift. With the Ivory Coast project now moving forward and a strong order book in place, we expect 2025 to be a year of significant growth and improved profitability.”

Fluence Corporation rebounds in Q4 2024, setting the stage for strong growth and improved profitability in 2025 with strategic shifts and a solid order backlog.

05/02/2025

Audeara (ASX: AUA) has struck another high note with a US$917,000 (A$1.48 million) purchase order from Avedis Zildjian, one of the most revered names in the music industry​. This follow-up order builds on an initial A$2.1 million order in February 2024, marking a continued partnership that bridges cutting-edge hearing technology with world-class musical craftsmanship.

With this second order, Audeara's innovative AUA Technology moves deeper into the mass production phase, reinforcing its commercial viability and scalability in global markets​.

Audeara is renowned for its expertise in hearing technology, offering solutions that enhance sound clarity for users of all hearing abilities. Partnering with Zildjian, a company that has defined the sound of cymbals for centuries, underscores the increasing demand for hearing-friendly innovations in the music space.

Dr. James Fielding, CEO and Founder of Audeara, expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential:

“This follow-up purchase order validates the commercial application of Audeara’s healthy hearing technology when incorporated into market-leading products with global commercial partners. With the recent momentum in our order pipeline, Audeara is demonstrating the potential of our AUA Technology division to scale across multiple addressable market segments.”

Audeara partners with Zildjian in a $917,000 deal, enhancing hearing technology in music products to protect musicians' hearing and expand global market reach.

31/01/2025

PainChek (ASX: PCK) has delivered a strong quarterly update, with notable progress in its US FDA regulatory approval, a growing global user base, and a strategic push into home care and infant pain assessment markets. With a $5.1 million capital raise secured, the company is well-positioned for its next phase of expansion.

A major milestone for PainChek is its US FDA De Novo regulatory submission, which, if approved, will make its adult pain assessment app the first FDA-regulated tool of its kind in the US. The company received confirmation from the FDA that its submission was complete, with a decision expected by May 2025.

CEO Philip Daffas expressed confidence in the process, noting that the same FDA executive who initially reviewed PainChek’s application in 2019 will oversee the review. “This provides us added confidence PainChek will soon become the first and only FDA regulated pain assessment app to enter the US market,” Daffas said.

The US aged care market represents a $100 million annual opportunity, and PainChek is already working with potential US partners to establish market entry strategies.

PainChek advances towards FDA approval and expands its global reach, focusing on home care and infant pain assessment markets with strong financial backing.

30/01/2025

ASX-listed Audeara Ltd (ASX: AUA) is turning up the volume on its global ambitions, with the company’s latest quarterly activities report revealing a period of strong operational ex*****on, international expansion, and revenue growth. The December quarter (Q2 FY25) saw Audeara secure significant new partnerships, launch key products, and build a solid financial foundation for further expansion.

Audeara, a leader in personalised hearing technology, made considerable progress on multiple fronts. The highlights from Q2 FY25 include:

1. Taiwan Expansion: The company launched its Clinico-branded Audeara healthy hearing earbuds into Taiwan in January 2025, leveraging a $570,000 purchase order from Clinico Inc., Taiwan’s largest hearing aid retailer. This positions Audeara for a strong foothold in the Asian market.

2. True Wireless Audio Market Entry: December 2024 saw the launch of Audeara Buds, the company’s first in-ear product. This taps into the booming true wireless stereo (TWS) market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 20% globally.

3. Global Partnerships Strengthened: The company received all payments related to its $2.1 million contract with Avedis Zildjian, the world’s leading cymbal manufacturer, highlighting its credibility in the audio sector.

4. Industry Engagement: Audeara represented at the EUHA Congress in Germany, engaged global audio leaders at CES 2025, and was named a finalist in the 2024 Australian Export Awards.

5. Major Contract Extension: The company extended its supply agreement with the world’s largest audiology retailer for two years, securing a minimum order quantity of 2,500 units annually of its TV Bundle product.

Audeara CEO and founder, Dr James Fielding, is bullish on the company’s prospects:

“As we move into 2025, today’s announcement highlights the significant momentum Audeara has achieved across all its key growth drivers, positioning the company for a transformative period of growth over the next 12 months. The successful launch of Audeara Buds and the introduction of Clinico-branded Audeara products in Taiwan provide a robust foundation for scaling our global market presence."

Audeara's Q2 FY25 update reveals substantial growth through international expansion, key product launches, and strategic partnerships, positioning it for a strong 2025 in the hearing health market.

29/01/2025

The semiconductor sector is at the heart of a revolution, with the emergence of DeepSeek adding to the growing momentum of artificial intelligence. DeepSeek, a software-driven AI platform that competes with the likes of ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot, represents the rapid expansion of generative AI models globally. DeepSeek’s growth signals a significant shift in how GPUs are applied in powering AI. This shift brings enormous implications for High-Performance Computing (HPC) chips—the core arena where Adisyn (ASX: AI1) is innovating.

For Adisyn, a company developing graphene-based interconnect technology, the rising proliferation of AI is not a challenge but a monumental opportunity. Kevin Crofton, a semiconductor veteran set to join Adisyn’s board, sees the trend as a direct tailwind for the company.

"DeepSeek and its peers are driving the AI revolution at breakneck speed," said Crofton. "This isn’t competition for us—it’s a catalyst. The more advanced AI models become, the greater the demand for HPC chips that are faster, more efficient, and capable of handling massive data loads. That’s where Adisyn’s technology will shine."

Generative AI platforms like DeepSeek depend on GPUs to train and run increasingly complex models. This creates an indirect but profound connection to the semiconductor industry, as the growing AI demand places unprecedented pressure on chipmakers to deliver speed, efficiency, and scalability. Crofton emphasised that while AI platforms like DeepSeek are revolutionising software applications, they simultaneously elevate the importance of innovation in hardware.

"AI software can only go as far as the hardware that powers it," Crofton said. "For the semiconductor industry, the message is clear: the chips of today won’t cut it for tomorrow’s AI demands. That’s why the industry must embrace new materials and architectures to keep up."

Adisyn’s graphene-based interconnects are uniquely positioned to address this challenge. Developed by its subsidiary 2D Generation, the technology replaces copper interconnects, which have reached their scalability limits, with graphene—a material renowned for its unmatched conductivity, heat dissipation, and strength​​​.

Adisyn leverages graphene technology to capitalize on the AI-driven demand for faster, more efficient HPC chips, positioning itself as a leader in semiconductor innovation.

24/01/2025

Cyclopharm secures a US national agreement with HCA for Technegas®! Advancing nuclear medicine across the States. Read more: https://hubs.li/Q033T7_G0

Cyclopharm (ASX: C*C) has signed a major contract with Hospital Corporation of America Healthcare (HCA), one of the largest single healthcare providers in the United States.

24/01/2025

Accelerate Resources unveils a new gold strategy with a key acquisition! 🪙 Read more: https://hubs.li/Q033T5vf0

Accelerate Resources (ASX: AX8) has launched new gold strategy with the acquisition of a 70% interest in the Kanowna East Gold Project, located in the prolific Kalgoorlie gold region of Western Australia. The project is strategically situated near major gold mines, including Kanowna Belle and the Ka...

24/01/2025

Why Semiconductor Veteran Kevin Crofton Joined Adisyn’s (ASX: AI1) Board: A Vision for Graphene’s Future.

Kevin Crofton joins Adisyn's board to spearhead graphene interconnect technology, aiming to revolutionize the semiconductor industry and overcome copper limitations.

24/01/2025

Spacetalk Limited (ASX: SPA), a leader in wearable and software solutions for family safety, delivered another promising update in its quarterly report for Q2 FY25. Key metrics highlight a significant expansion in the company’s mobile subscription base and Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), underscoring Spacetalk’s successful transition into a software-driven business model.

Spacetalk Mobile, the company’s Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) service, saw a 53% year-on-year and 21% quarter-on-quarter increase in paid subscribers, reaching 39.8k by the end of December 2024. This growth drove ARR to $11.0 million, a 16% improvement compared to the previous corresponding period (2QFY24: $9.5 million) and a 12% rise over the previous quarter.

CEO Simon Crowther emphasised the significance of these results, noting, “The growth in our mobile subscriber base reflects the success of our strategic focus on developing high-quality, recurring revenue streams. This strong foundation positions us well for continued growth and international expansion.”

ARR from Spacetalk Mobile alone surged by 44% year-on-year to $6.6 million, further validating the company’s pivot toward higher-margin subscription-based revenue​​.

Spacetalk reports robust growth in mobile subscriptions and recurring revenue, highlighting international expansion and new product developments.

24/01/2025

Aquirian Limited (ASX: AQN) has kicked off 2025 with a bang, announcing that its subsidiary, Western Energetics, has secured a three-year supply agreement with Aurenne Mt Ida Gold Pty Ltd (Mt Ida). Valued at approximately $20 million, the deal highlights Aquirian’s growing reputation for delivering innovative mining solutions.

Managing Director Greg Patching underscored the significance of the deal, stating, “This tailored solution not only optimises blast outcomes but also eliminates single-use plastics, reduces costs, and enhances efficiency for our valued customers. Western Energetics continues to play a key role in delivering our strategy across a growing customer base.”

What’s particularly noteworthy is that the agreement requires no capital outlay by Aquirian, reinforcing the company’s asset-light business model​.

Aquirian secures a $20 million, three-year supply agreement with Mt Ida Gold Mine, highlighting its innovative, sustainable mining solutions and boosting financial stability.

24/01/2025

Adisyn Ltd secures $10M in a heavily oversubscribed placement, driving innovation in graphene-enhanced semiconductors and solidifying its position as an industry leader.

23/01/2025

Adisyn (ASX: AI1), a small but ambitious player in the semiconductor industry, has made a bold move by appointing industry stalwart Kevin Crofton to its board. With more than three decades of experience across some of the most innovative companies in the semiconductor sector, Crofton’s appointment signals a strategic push by Adisyn to commercialise its graphene interconnect technology—a development that could redefine the industry’s future.

For a company at the frontier of material science and chip design, Crofton’s expertise could be a critical piece of the puzzle. But why has this seasoned executive decided to join a relatively small firm like Adisyn? The answer lies in the promise of graphene and the opportunity to be part of what Crofton believes could be the next big breakthrough in semiconductors.

For Crofton, the decision to join Adisyn’s board wasn’t taken lightly. Over the past four years, he has been closely involved with 2D Generation, Adisyn’s subsidiary focused on graphene interconnect technology. During that time, Crofton witnessed significant progress and saw firsthand the potential for this technology to disrupt the semiconductor industry.

“This is an opportunity to contribute to an inflection point in the industry,” Crofton explains. “Graphene interconnects could surpass the limitations of copper, providing the foundation for the next wave of semiconductor innovation. That’s a challenge worth tackling.”

Crofton is particularly drawn to the technical challenge and the industry-wide implications. With copper interconnects reaching their physical limits, the semiconductor sector faces a bottleneck that threatens the progress of Moore’s Law—the principle that chip performance doubles roughly every two years.

Created to give an opportunity for the Australasian technology sector, including start-ups, listed technology companies, co-working spaces, incubators, entrepreneurs, innovators and others groups and individuals relevant to the sector to showcase themselves to a significant Australian audience.

23/01/2025

Orthocell accelerates global expansion of Remplir™! Advancing tendon repair innovation worldwide. Read more: https://hubs.li/Q033G9Rg0

Orthocell accelerates Remplir global expansion

23/01/2025

LTR Pharma secures a national pharmacy distribution deal with Symbion! 💊 Expanding healthcare access across Australia. Read more: https://hubs.li/Q033G9Dj0

LTR Pharma signs Symbion National Pharmacy distribution agreement

21/01/2025

Pentanet (ASX: 5GG), the Perth-based telecommunications disruptor, has turned a significant corner, posting its first-ever EBITDA-positive result in Q2 FY25. The achievement underscores the company’s ongoing strategy to marry cutting-edge 5G expansion with a growing foothold in cloud gaming.

Managing Director Stephen Cornish described the quarter as a pivotal moment:

“We’ve reached a significant turning point, demonstrating the success of our strategic focus. Doubling our 5G coverage this year remains on track, while we continue to optimise and monetise our NVIDIA Cloud platform effectively.”

Pentanet’s financial performance in H1 FY25 points to a well-executed strategy:
- Positive EBITDA: Achieved $0.6 million in Q2 FY25, a $1 million improvement from the $0.4 million EBITDA loss in Q1.
- Revenue Growth: Consolidated revenue climbed to $5.7 million, a 6% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) increase and a 10% rise compared to the prior corresponding period (P*P).
- Gaming Revenue Surge: Gaming revenue leapt by 31% P*P to $1.1 million for the half, driven by subscription growth and pricing adjustments.

Cost discipline was another standout. Pentanet reined in marketing spend while benefiting from operational efficiencies and platform subscription optimisation.

Pentanet achieves first positive EBITDA and advances its 5G and cloud gaming strategy, positioning itself as a dual-threat in telecommunications and digital entertainment.