Real-world engagement

How can nanotechnology help you do business? With Nano-Connect, we’re taking our science beyond the lab and into businesses—in South Australia and around the world.

When CEOs and technical staff come to us, we start by asking: ‘What are your three biggest production issues?’ Sometimes we can bring new, better materials to the table. Sometimes it’s about making small modifications or changing processes. Whether it’s a small enterprise or a multi-national company, we cover it all. Some of our current partners operate in mass manufacturing, agriculture, energy, environmental protection, and food and wine. We do everything from pollution control to 3D printing metals to growing coral reefs.

We understand that businesses want an answer that helps them make decisions and move forward. We deliver small science with a big impact.

Talk to us about Nano-Connect

Supashock

Adelaide-based company, Supashock, started with three employees making shock absorbers for motorsport. They provided state-of-the-art products to leading racing teams—and it got them noticed.

Since establishing themselves in just about every type of motorsport, Supashock has become a major player in designing and manufacturing engineering solutions that go well beyond dampers for high performance vehicles. They have broadened their horizons towards running gear and suspension solutions for defence vehicles. The company has grown so rapidly that their influence is already being felt internationally.

Being at the forefront of suspension technology had Supashock turning to the Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, calling on our researchers to solve materials performance challenges they had encountered. Since then, we’ve been helping Supashock enhance their capabilities and supporting the science behind their technology research and development.

In one of many projects, Professor Jamie Quinton acted as a sort of ‘thinker-in-residence’—helping to develop active suspension systems for a fleet of autonomous vehicles set to embark in San Francisco. And it’s not just our staff working with the company. Our students are gaining real-world industry experiences through exciting projects that develop and utilise their advanced technical skills. So far, we’ve seen seven Flinders graduates join the Supashock staff as a result of their placements. That number looks set to grow as we broaden our research and development work, training programs and internships with the rising-star company.

I love working with industry. I'm applying my skills and knowledge to something that will have a direct impact on people and will make a difference in society.

Professor Jamie Quinton