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A Melbourne-based startup developing advanced metal powders that can be used in industries such as aerospace, mining, energy and medtech has secured $1 million in a joint investment from Breakthrough Victoria and Swinburne University of Technology.
Founded by Professor Christopher Berndt, Dr. Ashok Meghwal and Associate Professor Andrew Ang, EntroMat specialises in developing high entropy materials (HEMs).
These advanced alloys are engineered by combining multiple principal elements, resulting in superior mechanical strength, thermal stability, wear resistance and longevity in extreme industrial environments.
The proprietary HEM powders enhance wear resistance and longevity in heavy-duty mining components while also enabling thermally stable, corrosion-resistant alloys for hydrogen systems, fuel cells, batteries, and more, as well as biocompatible alloys for implants and surgical devices.
EntroMat’s technology also extends to the aerospace industry, providing lightweight, high-temperature-resistant materials for demanding components.
“EntroMat is built on sovereign technology developed at Swinburne over the past decade. It will create advanced materials that will outperform conventional products, creating new markets and new possibilities,” EntroMat CEO Greg Lindsay said.
“EntroMat is grateful to Breakthrough Victoria and Swinburne University for supporting the growth of the business.
“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 and the Swinburne University of Technology have provided $500,000 each into the startup. The capital injection is part of the former’s $100 million University Innovation Platform, which aims to commercialise critical research with real-world benefits from Victorian universities.
As part of the platform, Swinburne University, Deakin University, La Trobe University, the University of Melbourne, and Monash University have each contributed $9 million, while RMIT has added $7.5 million and Australian Catholic University has matched Breakthrough Victoria’s $7 million investment.
The news of EntroMat’s capital injection has come around the same time that vertical farming system Gaia Project Australia (GPAS) also received a $1 million boost from the pre-seed investment program, receiving support from La Trobe University and Breakthrough Victoria.
Breakthrough Victoria, which was established in 2021 to provide long-term capital to local innovation businesses, recently announced a major milestone of more than $1.06 billion in co-investment from seed and later stages.
"EntroMat’s technology represents a game-changer for industries that demand stronger, more resilient, and sustainable materials,” Breakthrough Victoria CEO Rod Bristow said.
“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.
“We’re excited to support EntroMat on their journey to revolutionise advanced manufacturing."
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