Micro-X is to receive $525,00 in grant funding as a part of a $1.17 million project to develop an ultralight mobile X-ray trolley for use in veterinary settings. The mobile X-ray trolley system will provide true mobility and deployment of x-ray imaging outside of a veterinary hospital setting, for example in a horse stable or paddock.

The funding, announced by Industry, Science and Technology Minister Christian Porter is from the latest round of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) Commercialisation Fund. The AMGC fund provides grant funding to approved industry projects, that can demonstrate and support Australian manufacturing to become more globally competitive.

Micro-X is a manufacturer of X-ray products for medical and security applications using cold-cathode carbon nanotube technology which has driven down the size of X-ray tubes to be lighter and smaller than traditional X-ray tubes. The trolley concept re-uses existing core technology, packaged in a sack truck style concept to enable movement over rough ground and up stairs, whilst still retaining ease of imaging and access to a fully digital X-ray system.  Following the successful launch into veterinary market, Micro-X will take the next steps at validating the trolley for human X-ray imaging.

The project aims to develop and launch the mobile X-ray trolley initially into the veterinary market, to enable Micro-X to build robustness and functionality into the product plus expand and develop the manufacturing process. By using its core technology, this will allow Micro-X to develop its proprietary technology further and upskill its workforce in advanced manufacturing techniques.

Micro-X’s Managing Director, Peter Rowland applauded the Federal Government grant funding and commented “Micro-X is constantly looking to push the boundaries of science and innovation. Receiving Government funding, allows us to turn our great ideas into reality that create more local jobs and upskill our workforce”.