$1m boost for UQ plastics technology

Highly-durable, extreme-performance plastics and rubbers for use in industries ranging from automotive to construction are now closer to realisation thanks to a $1 million investment in a Brisbane materials company.

The University of Queensland start-up company TenasiTech is developing innovative plastic additives based on research by UQs Professor Darren Martin.

TenasiTech CEO Richard Marshall said the potential market for the product was encouraging.

The poor scratch-resistance of acrylic glass is a key barrier to the more widespread replacement of traditional glass, he said.

Our additive products are simple to incorporate, and allow customers to design plastic sheets and other parts which are more durable as they are less prone to surface defects when handled.

TenasiTech secured the current round of investment from members of angel investment groups Brisbane Angels and Melbourne Angels along with UQ-based venture fund and founding investor Uniseed.

UQ acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Max Lu said the investment in TenasiTech epitomised the importance of diversified support for research and commercialisation at UQ.

This investment is important for the future of TenasiTech in realising the commercial potential of their range of high performance additives, he said.

Professor Lu said the investment was an outcome of UniQuests commercialisation efforts and research partnership with UQs Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) that, since TenasiTechs founding, has established a highly-successful Industrial Affiliates Program.

The Industrial Affiliates Program enables the AIBN to partner with industry in a way that provides companies with access to research, expertise and facilities, he said.

Continued here:
$1m boost for UQ plastics technology