Tech

CSIRO launches program to foster medtech for SMEs

Published

2 years ago

January 22, 2024

Ahron Young

Australia’s national science agency has announced an exciting opportunity for start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises operating in the digital health and medical technology sectors.

The CSIRO invites applications for its upcoming “Innovate to Grow” program, aimed at driving innovation and advancement in these critical fields.

This 10-week online program, offered at no cost, has been specially designed to assist Australian SMEs in navigating the complex landscape of research and development (R&D) in digital health and medical technologies.

Helping SMEs Thrive

Professor Susie Nilsson, the Director of Biomedical Manufacturing Research at CSIRO, emphasised the program’s significance in fostering meaningful collaboration between research organizations and SMEs.

She noted that developing sustainable products in the digital health and medical technology sectors is a challenging and often underestimated process.

“The daunting task of navigating stringent testing and product development processes can be particularly overwhelming for SMEs,” Professor Nilsson said.

“Innovate to Grow presents a unique opportunity for businesses to gain valuable insights from industry experts about how research and development collaboration can help take their technology to the next level.

“In particular, the way in which businesses can advance from a research idea to a tangible R&D opportunity.”

Unlocking Opportunities

Participants in the program will have the chance to collaborate with a mentor from CSIRO or a university.

This collaboration will address both technical and business challenges, helping SMEs explore R&D opportunities and gain insights into partnering with research organizations.

Additionally, participants will learn how to craft compelling R&D funding applications to support their projects.

Liz Crompton, SME Connect Program Advisor, highlighted the positive impact of the Innovate to Grow program since its inception.

“To date, Innovate to Grow has equipped over 500 businesses with the knowledge and tools to advance their ideas, with many program alumni initiating R&D projects with research organizations like CSIRO within 12 months of completing the program,” Ms. Crompton said.

R&D Funding

Participants may also become eligible for dollar-matched R&D funding through the CSIRO Kick-Start program, further enhancing their growth prospects.

The program is scheduled to commence on March 14, 2024, and is open to a limited number of SMEs operating in various sub-sectors within digital health and medical technology.

These sub-sectors include therapeutics and care, health system analytics, biomedical informatics and data modeling, as well as diagnostics, biosensors, biomedical devices, drug discovery, vaccines, and biologic therapeutics, among others.

Applications for CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Digital Health and Medical Technology program will be accepted until Sunday, February 18, 2024.

Find out more here.

Tech

OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Atlas: The Future of Browsing?

Published

1 week ago

October 22, 2025

ticker NEWS

OpenAI has taken another giant leap forward with the launch of ChatGPT Atlas — an AI-powered web browser that could redefine how people search, explore, and interact online. Investors and competitors are watching closely as this new technology challenges the dominance of traditional browsers like Google Chrome.

With ChatGPT Atlas, users may soon experience a web that feels less like typing into a search box and more like conversing with an intelligent assistant. The integration of AI could make browsing faster, more intuitive, and more personalised than ever before — but it also raises serious questions about privacy and data use.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in the digital world, ChatGPT Atlas could represent the next major step toward a fully AI-driven online experience. What does this mean for users — and for the tech giants trying to keep up?

Tech

OpenAI limits deepfakes after Bryan Cranston’s concerns

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorized AI-generated content

Published

1 week ago

October 21, 2025

Ahron Young

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorised AI-generated content

In Short:
– OpenAI partners with Bryan Cranston and unions to combat deepfakes on its Sora app.
– The app now includes options for people to control their likenesses and voices.

OpenAI announced it will work with Bryan Cranston, SAG-AFTRA, and actor unions to combat deepfakes on its AI video app, Sora.Cranston voiced concerns after unauthorized AI-generated clips featuring his likeness emerged after Sora 2’s launch in late September. He showed gratitude to OpenAI for taking steps to safeguard actors’ rights to control their likenesses.

The partnership aims to enhance protections against unauthorized AI content. The Creative Artists Agency and United Talent Agency had previously criticized OpenAI, citing risks to their clients’ intellectual property.

Last week, OpenAI blocked disrespectful videos of Martin Luther King Jr. at the request of his estate, following similar pressures. Zelda Williams also requested the public refrain from sending her AI-generated clips of her late father, Robin Williams.

Policy Changes

Following tensions post-launch, CEO Sam Altman revised Sora’s policy to give rights holders greater control of their likenesses.

The app now allows individuals to opt-out, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to respond quickly to concerns from performers.

OpenAI backs the NO FAKES Act, supporting legislation that aims to protect individuals from unauthorized AI-generated representations.

OpenAI is focused on ensuring performers’ rights are respected regarding the misuse of their voices and likenesses. Altman reiterated the company’s dedication to these protections.

Tech

Major apps down as AWS experiences global outage

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

Published

1 week ago

October 20, 2025

Ahron Young

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

In Short:
– AWS outage on Monday disrupted major apps like Fortnite, Snapchat, and affected several global companies.
– UK companies including Lloyds Bank and Vodafone reported issues due to the AWS outage.

Amazon’s AWS experienced a significant outage on Monday, impacting major apps including Fortnite and Snapchat. The disruption affected connectivity for numerous companies globally.AWS reported increased error rates and latencies across multiple services and is attempting to recover quickly.

The outage marks the first significant internet disruption since a previous incident last year that impacted essential technology systems globally. AWS offers on-demand computing and storage services and is vital for many websites and platforms.

Multiple companies reported disruptions, including AI startup Perplexity, cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, and trading app Robinhood. Perplexity’s CEO confirmed on X that the outages were linked to AWS issues.

Amazon’s shopping site, Prime Video, and Alexa services also faced difficulties, according to Downdetector. Other affected platforms included popular gaming applications like Clash Royale and financial services such as Venmo and Chime.

Uber competitor Lyft’s app was reported down for numerous users in the U.S. Messaging platform Signal also acknowledged connection problems stemming from the AWS outage.

British Companies

In the UK, Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, and telecom services provider Vodafone were notably affected. The HMRC’s website also encountered issues during this outage.

Elon Musk stated that his platform, X, remained operational despite the widespread disruptions.