University and industry collaboration: ResTech officially opened by Minister Hon Ed Husic MP

Thursday, 21 September 2023

The Honourable Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science, today visited the University of Newcastle to officially open the new ResTech facility.

VC Alex Zelinsky, Pat Conroy MP, Sharon Claydon MP, Ed Husic MP, Rod Henderson CEO Ampcontrol

ResTech is a partnership between the University and Ampcontrol at Callaghan Campus, that aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of new innovative technology solutions for the energy, infrastructure, and resources industries. With more than 40 people located on campus, ResTech allows for maximal interaction between staff and students with cutting-edge industry partners.

An accredited Research Service Provider, ResTech utilises a living lab model to provide opportunities for engineering students to work with industry on real-world challenges to become life-ready graduates who are community-minded, resilient, and ready for work.

From stand-alone power systems designed to replace the traditional ‘poles and wires’ grid connections, to world-first battery electrical vehicle innovation to support the electrification of mining operations, ResTech utilises design thinking in a living lab environment to solve the world’s most complex problems in energy to help and support all industries in our regions and globally to decarbonise.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO explained how the University was partnering with industry to support students and the region in the clean energy transition.

“Our University has worked with Ampcontrol over a number of years and ResTech is the result of our strong partnership. We are absolutely committed to our regions and are perfectly positioned to provide the industry partnerships, workforce facilities, leading researchers, and technology expertise to help with the transition and innovation of industries across the Hunter,” said Professor Zelinsky.

“We are passionate about ensuring our students are work-ready, so the opportunity for our engineering students to gain experience at ResTech by working on challenging research projects for industry is invaluable. It means our graduates have the practical skills and industry connections to thrive in the workplace when they graduate.”

A student presents the ResTech project they have been working on

Minister Husic had the opportunity to meet with students and see the real-world solutions being developed to help make net zero a reality. Tiana Leck, Research and Development Engineer at ResTech, is in her final year of Bachelor of Medical and Mechatronics Engineering. Her showcased project builds critical technology for home Wind Energy Collection, moving closer to allowing people to install their own portable and affordable renewable energy systems.

“ResTech brings together two entities – Ampcontrol and the University of Newcastle – who are united in their goal to deliver energy solutions which will help make global net zero a reality. The engineering smarts and advanced manufacturing capability of Ampcontrol through ResTech will contribute great value to finding innovative solutions to decarbonise,” said Rod Henderson, Ampcontrol Managing Director and CEO.

ResTech has 24 dedicated research and development engineers, including students. Throughout 2023, there have been 16 industrial placement students and 16 final year projects with ResTech.

“Collaborating with the best will help us deliver innovation that can transform the world. The vital work coming out of ResTech is providing real-world solutions to support the energy transition – both here in the Hunter and beyond,” said Mr Henderson.

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