Swinburne University spin out takes off with $1 million for aerospace materials

A high-tech spinout from Swinburne University of Technology has raised $1 million to produce aerospace materials made from recycled industrial feedstocks.

The raise for EntroMat, was backed by the state government’s VC fund, Breakthrough Victoria, and Swinburne University of Technology, which kicked in $500,000 each as part of Breakthrough Victoria’s University Innovation Program (UIP),.

The Melbourne-based startup creates high-performance metal powders called High Entropy Materials (HEMs) – a new class of engineered alloys designed for extreme performance and sustainability – for advanced manufacturing and 3D printing.

EntroMat’s powders can be used for additive manufacturing, surface coatings, and powder metallurgy, and target high-impact sectors including mining, energy, medical technology and aerospace.

EntroMat cofounder, Associate Professor Andrew Ang, is Swinburne’s Space Technology and Industry Institute co-director.

“HEMs produce next-generation alloys with exceptional mechanical strength, thermal stability, and resistance to corrosion, wear, and radiation,” he said.

“EntroMat is redefining advanced alloy development by integrating computational alloy design, circular use of critical minerals, and scalable powder manufacturing.

“These next-generation materials are ideal for critical applications in aerospace, mining, energy, defence, medical technology and other demanding use-cases.”

CEO Greg Lindsay said the technology was developed at Swinburne over the past decade.

“It will create advanced materials that will outperform conventional products, creating new markets and new possibilities,” he said.

“Already, EntroMat’s products have secured interest from D&T Hydraulics, a remanufacturing service provider for the mining sector based in the Mackay & Bowen Basin in Queensland. The company has signed a Letter of Intent for EntroMat to develop, test and provide a prototype a cutting-edge HEM product for the remanufacture of hydraulic cylinder rods by D&T.”

Breakthrough Victoria CEO Rod Bristow said EntroMat will revolutionise advanced manufacturing.

“Our investment through the Breakthrough Victoria University Innovation Platform (BVUIP) reflects our commitment to turning cutting-edge research into real-world solutions that drive innovation and economic growth,” he said.