Technology, Innovation & Science

Digital CC has announced it will be launching the beta version of its new remittance product AirPocket in the June quarter, shifting its focus away from the volatile bitcoin market.

Two local firms are using drone technology to reduce the cost of mine surveying and environmental assessments.

Engine technology developer Orbital Corporation has been named the preferred supplier of engines and propulsion systems for Boeing’s ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

Nextgen Group has signed a deal to supply Hancock Prospecting’s Roy Hill iron ore project in the Pilbara with a high-speed data connection.

Specialist materials technology company Alexium International Group has raised about $8.45 million in a placement to a US private investor to fund development of its fire-retardant chemicals project.

Universities need to arm graduates with a set of global skills to deal with unprecedented technological change, according to Deborah Terry.

Perth-based Amcom Telecommunications has pushed back its scheme meeting to vote on the Vocus Communications takeover deal by two weeks, after Sydney competitor and Amcom’s major shareholder TPG Telecom yesterday said it would vote against the proposal.

The Parkhound service puts those with car parking space to rent out in touch with those looking for space to rent. The site and app allows drivers to compare off-street residential and commercial parking, and also in a world first, street parking options.

Minerals Corporation, which in 2013 was one of the first Perth-based mining companies to attempt a backdoor listing, has announced plans to exit the resources sector by acquiring an online music competition business.

The fate of Perth companies iiNet and Amcom Telecommunications rests with Sydney competitor TPG Telecom and its reclusive chairman David Teoh, and possibly with the competition watchdog, after a day of surprises.

Swan Taxis has targeted its Perth customers with a new app aimed at making taxi bookings more convenient.

The company behind the reverse takeover of local cloud-based technology company Norwood Systems has raised $5.5 million in an oversubscribed share offer.

Shares in internet market target iiNet surged again today to a new intra-day high before closing at around $10 each in line with yesterday's formal bid from M2 Group.

Perth-based health fund HBF has formed a partnership with online comparison service provider iSelect to distribute its suite of health insurance products outside of Western Australia.

A Perth-based company is looking to make an international impact in the concrete cutting industry.

Developers are turning to innovative building methods to help address the costs of constructing hotels.

East Africa Resources has become the 36th Perth-based company to announce a backdoor listing deal in the past 18 months, with plans to exit uranium exploration and acquire local security services business Threat Protect Australia.

The mining industry is adopting new technology it hopes will raise flexibility and lower costs in a changing environment.

The Snaptch app allows models and other creative professionals to showcase their portfolio and social media presence to the industry.

Consumers are ditching their desktop and laptop computers in favour of tablets and smart phones amid surging demand for streamed content, Telstra says.

Liberty Resources is ticking the remaining boxes on its list of requirements to be met for its proposed acquisition of Cirrus Networks, with an independent expert giving the transaction its stamp of approval today, ahead of a shareholders meeting next month.

Four months after listing on the ASX, technology company DTI Group has slashed its revenue and profit guidance for the current financial year after being hit by delays in the awarding of prospective contracts, deferred deliveries to the US market and softer sales in the US.

Streaming service Quickflix says the launch of rival Netflix has sparked interest in the industry and helped it attract thousands of new customers.

Perth-based tech startup Resource Governance International is seeking to change the way mining companies report their resources and reserves, launching a $3 million capital raising to commercialise software it hopes will become the industry standard.

Mineler aims to become the global platform for mining people to bid for work and supply contracts, connect with colleagues and share industry knowledge. Members create their own mining industry-specific CV, which is targeted to companies in their field and showcases their on-site experience. Users can then place bids for work contracts on mining projects.

Information technology company Rewardle Holdings has formed an alliance with NSW-based Mint Payments under which the two companies combine their resources to market Mint's card payments processing software across a wider customer base.

Technology company DTI Group has won a contract with the Brisbane City Council to supply its surveillance systems to a fleet of buses for an undisclosed sum.

Stratum Metals has become the sixth Western Australian company to cancel a backdoor listing deal in the past year, with the Nedlands-based business reviewing its future options, including plans for the East Menzies gold project, after walking away from a planned reverse takeover of a US technology venture.

The Australian economy is not particularly innovative and the government could do more to encourage the use of information and communications technology, a global report says.

As investors and the authorities weigh the pros and cons of the many reverse takeovers being proposed in Western Australia, there is at least one spectacular example of what can be achieved via the backdoor listing strategy.

Nedlands-based gold explorer Promesa has announced plans to shift its focus to technology by acquiring social media platform and app developer Thredit.

Office landlords and leasing agents are upping the ante to secure key tenants, with competition to get the signatures of CBH Group and Telstra expected to be fierce over coming months.