Australia produces around 3,300 tonnes of lithium-ion battery waste each year (CSIRO). Finding a way to extend the useful life of these batteries would likely have numerous financial and environmental benefits. Researchers at the University of Queensland have identified a better way to protect parts of the lithium-ion battery from corrosion. A layer of crystals, only 1 atom thick, can protect against corrosion, while also supporting higher voltages and therefore greater energy density, as well as removing the need for cobalt, which can often be one of the most costly elements in a lithium-ion battery.https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/materials/lithium-ion-batteries-coating-lifespan/

The international council on clean transportation reports "the combustion of 1 liter (or litre) of diesel fuel releases approx 13% more CO2 than the same amount of gasoline (or petrol)." Diesel is also more expensive than petrol, but it has qualities which suit heavy-duty vehicle requirements better.  However, an Associate Professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology has developed a computer model which, when combined with software, may be able to better manage combustion factors in working engines, so diesel engines could become "multi-fuel" engines. This could speed up adoption of lower emission fuels, without requiring large-scale capital investments. https://www.iit.edu/news/illinois-tech-designs-new-engine-brains-

Australian startups are in the midst of a golden age. Not only has the sector broken the record in the first quarter of 2022 for the most capital raised in a quarter, with $3.6 billion in venture capital funding. But in just three short months and 169 deals, exceeded the total amount raised in 2020, and the already record-breaking third quarter of 2021. The Cut Through Venture data showed fintech and enterprise software being the biggest sectors. With the average deal for startups concluded seed funding rounds have grown 93.3 per cent this year.https://www.afr.com/technology/start-ups-on-fire-in-record-breaking-3-6b-quarter-20220401-p5aa68

Your brand should work as hard as your product!“If someone smart, capable and talented comes to you with something that they think will impact the business positively AND they have to fight for it; get out of their way and listen. That’s why you hire people who are willing to challenge your thinking".https://www.airtree.vc/airtree-blog/how-to-rename-startup

I intend to find a solution to create a second life for plastic bags and want to create a solution to the ongoing problem of plastic pollution by creating a product that's marketable and user friendly. I have decided to create a Plarn (plastic yarn) Crochet Craft Kit, in order for consumers to be able to upcycle existing plastic bags that they own. This kit will provide instructions on how to crochet a reusable tote bag, made from recycled plastic bags. At this stage of my project, I'm asking for thoughts or inputs to either expand or enhance my project.