Sitting across 1,000 square metres just 11km out of the Melbourne CBD is the world’s first nano-manufacturing plant.
The manufacturing hub is the base for Innofocus Photonics Technology’s efforts to lead the world when it comes to intelligent laser nanofabrication and holographic imaging equipment.
This enables the development of mini-photonic devices and nano-structured new materials for a wide range of applications in quantum computing, clean technology, medtech and biotechnology.
At the plant is a world-first intelligent laser nano-printing system, which can produce specifically-designed 3D nanostructures with ultra-high precision, up to 1,000 times higher than commercial 3D printing.
The transition is afoot to high tech solutions such as quantum computing, AI and net zero emissions, but this requires corresponding breakthroughs in Australia’s manufacturing capabilities.
The current systems in use sometimes lack the precision, resolution and yield that is required to produce next-generation devices at scale — and that’s where Innofocus’s highly precise process comes in.
Innofocus is a finalist in the InnovationAus 2025 Awards for Excellence in the Translation Hero category. The InnovationAus 2025 Awards for Excellence winners and finalists will be celebrated at a black-tie gala dinner at Sydney Town Hall on Thursday, November 27. You can book your tickets here.
The Translation Hero Award is proudly sponsored by CSIRO’s ON Innovation Program. The category celebrates the successful commercialisation of deep-tech research, spanning the likes of plant-based meat production to space initiatives, and is open to individuals and companies.
Innofocus chief executive and co-founder Frank Yao said the company is “thrilled” to be nominated.
“We thank InnovationAus.com, the panellists and the industry for the recognition given to us for our contribution in commercialisation of deep tech research,” Mr Yao said.
“By enabling new applications and opportunities across various industries, Australian-made 3D laser nano-printing technology positions Australia at the forefront of nanotechnology innovation, providing enormous opportunities for establishing a robust nanomanufacturing ecosystem.”
The nanomanufacturing and advanced photonics market is projected to grow at up to 28 per cent in the next decade, and is expected to bring with it major improvements in speed, resolution and position accuracy.
In contrast to Innofocus’s compact offering, many of its competitors still require million-dollar large cleanrooms. With the AI-driven automation of Innofocus, just standard lab conditions are required.
The company is aiming to provide access to quantum-grade manufacturing to all Australian companies, rather than just the rich and lucky few.
The 2025 InnovationAus Awards for Excellence will be held on November 27 at the magnificent Sydney Town Hall. You can secure individual seats or book a table here. Purchase a table of 10 and have your logo displayed on screens across the venue and in the event programme as a ‘Table Sponsor’.
The InnovationAus 2025 Awards for Excellence are proudly supported by ACS, PEXA Group, the CSIRO ON Program, Griffith Hack, TechnologyOne, Q-CTRL, National AI Centre, University of New South Wales, KPMG, AgriFutures Australia, Investment NSW and IP Australia.
Protecting your great ideas with intellectual property (IP) rights can lead to lasting benefits for your growing business. IP refers to creations of the mind, such as a brand, logo, invention, design or artistic work. Head to the IP Australia website to find out more about IP, and how it might help your business.
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