Briefcase: Business snippets from South Korean space signing to SA-first electrified trailer
In this week’s Briefcase, a major development site up for sale, and Flinders University grants new funding for vital medical research. Plus, upcoming business events.
- Southern Launch signs with South Korean space company
- Nominations open for 40 Under 40 Awards 2026
- Australia’s first electrified trailer launches
- Major development site hits the market
- New funding for cutting-edge medical research
- SA grain producers recognised at Industry Awards
Southern Launch signs with South Korean space company
Southern Launch has signed with South Korean launch service provider INNOSPACE to conduct space missions from the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex and the Koonibba Test Range.
The deal would allow INNOSPACE to conduct missions that include orbital satellite launches and suborbital technology demonstrations set to commence in 2026.
Southern Launch said the agreement would strengthen SA’s position as an emerging global hub for space innovation.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing space access and delivering flexible, reliable launch solutions for global customers,” Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp said.
Nominations open for 40 Under 40 Awards 2026
South Australia’s most ambitious and impactful young leaders are invited to step forward, with nominations now officially open for InDaily’s 40 Under 40 Awards 2026.
The awards recognise exceptional business leaders under the age of 40 who are making a significant impact across their industries, shaping the future of the state’s economy and community.
Joel Abrahams, chair of the judging panel and seasoned business leader, highlighted what makes the program so unique:
“The 40 Under 40 Awards celebrate ambition, resilience and leadership at a formative stage of people’s careers. I was drawn to the opportunity to recognise individuals who are not only achieving commercial success, but are also creating positive impact through their leadership, innovation and values.”
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Nominations close Wednesday 11 March. For more information and to submit a nomination, visit solsticemedia.com.au/40-under-40-sa/
Australia’s first electrified trailer launches
Australia’s first commercially available electrified trailer system has been officially launched by SA company VE Motion.
The VE Motion Powered Trailer System electrifies the trailer rather than the prime mover, reducing diesel use by up to 50 per cent, improving vehicle performance and reducing emissions.
The powered trailer systems are built and assembled in Murray Bridge with VE Motion having invested more than $4 million into research, development, engineering and prototyping.
We wanted to build something useful – equipment that cuts fuel use, reduces emissions and improves performance, without adding headaches. The industry does not want disruption. It wants gear that works,” VE Motions CEO Dean Panos said.
Major development site hits the market
An expansive Thebarton landholding has been brought to market, presenting one of Adelaide’s most significant development opportunities.
The 9,571sqm site at 1-13 Light Terrace in Thebarton, situated adjacent to the $3.2 billion new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, is positioned on the north-western fringe of the CBD and has prominent Port Road frontage.
Colliers said the site offers exceptional flexibility with dual zoning to support a range of uses including residential, aged care, healthcare and retail.
“Thebarton’s proximity to the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital and other major infrastructure projects positions it perfectly for healthcare, retirement living and aged care development,” Colliers national director of healthcare and retirement living Justin Hazell said.
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| Jobedge, an Adelaide-based provider of inclusive employment services, is hosting the Adelaide Employer Business Breakfast on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. |
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New funding for cutting-edge medical research
$815,000 in seed funding has been announced to support cutting-edge health and medical research across the Flinders Medical Precinct.
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33 research projects to be led by Flinders University and Southern Adelaide Local Health Network researchers span a broad range of illnesses, diseases and social challenges.
Each project is provided with up to $25,000 in funding, made possible from donations from the Flinders Foundation supporters, and aims to “create positive change” within the community and around the world.
Some of the research projects include looking at new drugs to stop the spread of Glioblastoma brain cancer and memory preservation in ageing brains through the study of worms.
“These grants give researchers the space to test bold ideas, build evidence, and take those critical first steps toward larger-scale impact,” Flinders Foundation Executive Director Ross Verschoor said.
SA grain producers recognised at Industry Awards
The top grain producers and industry leaders across SA have been awarded at the 2025 SA Grain Industry Awards held at Adelaide Oval.
Hosted by Grain Producers SA, the Grain Industry Awards were officially opened by Premier Peter Malinauskas in front of a sold-out crowd of 430 people.
It was the second time the awards had ever been presented, following last year’s inaugural awards ceremony.
“The winners announced tonight are a strong reflection of the broader grain industry – professional, forward-looking and prepared to invest in the future, even through challenging seasons,” GPSA CEO Brad Perry said.
List of 2025 South Australian Grain Industry Award winners:
Grain Producer of the Year (sponsored by Elders): Ben Wundersitz – Yorke Peninsula
Young Grain Producer of the Year (sponsored by PIRSA): Sam and Tayla Przibilla – Mid North
Women in Grain Award (sponsored by Bunge): Sharon Starick (Murraylands)
Innovation Award (sponsored by Bayer): Mark Schilling (Yorke Peninsula)
Industry Impact Award (sponsored by Cargill): Professor Andrew Barr (Adelaide Plains)
Sustainability Award (sponsored by the SA Drought Hub): Grant Pontifex (Kangaroo Island/ Yorke Peninsula)
Hall of Fame inductees:
Historic Inductee: John Daniel Custance
Modern Inductee: Andrew Inglis AM
Modern Inductee: The late Professor Tony Rathjen
