South Australia strengthens its advanced manufacturing future with launch of AMCRC Node

South Australia has further cemented its position as a leader in advanced manufacturing with the launch of the South Australian Node of the Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC).

Established with the support of the South Australian Government and hosted by Flinders University at Tonsley, the new Node will work in partnership with Adelaide and Flinders Universities to connect industry with research expertise and accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing and help more South Australian businesses turn ideas into commercial outcomes.

The first state-based Node for AMCRC will provide South Australian manufacturers with a gateway to AMCRC’s national network, collaborative research opportunities and capabilities, helping businesses develop new products, technologies and manufacturing solutions.

AMCRC Chair Susan Jeanes said South Australia was uniquely placed to help drive Australia’s additive manufacturing ambitions.

“South Australia already has many of the ingredients needed to lead in advanced manufacturing – strong industry, world-class research and a willingness to innovate.”

“This Node gives us a platform to connect those strengths and accelerate the growth of additive manufacturing across the state and the nation.”

“If Australia is to compete globally in advanced manufacturing, we need strong regional hubs that bring industry, researchers and government together. That’s exactly what this Node is designed to do.”

Additive manufacturing is transforming how products are designed and made across sectors including defence, aerospace, healthcare, energy and space. South Australia’s concentration of advanced manufacturers, defence programs and research capability makes it a natural home for the AMCRC’s first state-based Node.

Minister for State Development, the Hon Chris Picton MP, said the Node would help strengthen South Australia’s manufacturing ecosystem and create new opportunities for local businesses.

“South Australia is building a strong reputation as a centre for advanced manufacturing and innovation.”

“The AMCRC South Australian Node will help local businesses access expertise, build new partnerships and accelerate the development of innovative products and technologies.”

“This is another important step in growing high-value industries, creating skilled jobs and supporting South Australia’s economic future.”

Flinders University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Raymond Chan said the Node at the Flinders Factory of the Future would help translate world-class research into new products, technologies and manufacturing capability.

“By bringing researchers, industry and government together at Tonsley, we can help businesses move promising ideas from development to commercial application more quickly, while building the infrastructure and high-value skills needed for the future.

“This will strengthen Australia’s sovereign industrial capability, reinforce South Australia’s position as a national leader in advanced manufacturing, and provide another powerful example of Flinders’ role as the university for industry and enterprise.”

Adelaide University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Anton Middelberg said the collaboration would further connect South Australian research capability with industry needs.

“Additive manufacturing presents significant opportunities for South Australian industry, but realising those opportunities requires strong collaboration between researchers, manufacturers and government.”

“Through our collaboration with AMCRC, Adelaide University looks forward bringing its significant scale and expertise in research translation to develop practical solutions that strengthen South Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector.”

The South Australian Node forms part of AMCRC’s broader Australia Makes vision to build globally competitive advanced manufacturing capability by connecting Australian industry with the research, technology and expertise needed to innovate and grow.

The launch coincides with the Additive Manufacturing Forum 2026, bringing together leaders from industry, research and government to identify the technologies, research priorities and partnerships needed to advance additive manufacturing in Australia.