Briefcase: Business snippets from an innovative space program to a multimillion-dollar smelter deal
In this week’s Briefcase, the state hits back-to-back export records, while a luxury hotel opens in the city.
- Space innovators selected for new program
- BHP progresses SA smelter plans
- New partnership for spirit awards
- Luxury hotel opens in CBD
- SA hits back-to-back trade records
- Credit Union partners with homelessness initiative
Space innovators selected for annual program
Eight locally founded startups have been selected to take part in this year’s Venture Catalyst Space program.
Delivered by Adelaide University’s Innovation and Collaboration Centre and supported by the SA Space Industry Centre, the six-month accelerator program will assist early-stage companies to break into the space industry.
Since launching in 2018, the program has supported 54 startups and 100 founders, helping aspiring space entrepreneurs attract up to $135 million in further investment.
“These startups are advancing cutting-edge technologies while building sovereign capability, creating jobs and strengthening South Australia’s position in the global space economy,” SA Space Industry Centre director space Campbell Pegg said.
2026 Venture Catalyst Space cohort
• AgMap – Mapping agricultural research to the farms that need it
• ALTDATA Pty Ltd – Turning space data into AI-powered simulations for faster research in microgravity
• EOI Space – Merging space and ground data to enable decisions for land, water and climate risks
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• HALO Aerotech – Enabling the future of logistics and air mobility with next-gen aerial platforms
• OffDev – Providing software tools for secure offline and air-gapped systems
• Rarity – Bringing space-grade engineering home to deliver materials resilience on Earth
• THE RED PLAN-ET – Sustainable menstrual care – on Earth and in space
• Tweaklogic – Edge AI solutions designed for space
BHP progresses SA smelter plans
Copper giant BHP has awarded a design and supply contract to China Nerin Engineering Co as part of its proposed smelter and refinery expansion in South Australia.
The partner is one of China’s leading metallurgical engineering design institutes and has completed the construction of seven modern copper smelters in recent years, according to a BHP statement.
The deal is worth more than $200 million and would be executed in stages as the company advances towards a final investment decision on its smelter and refinery expansion in 2027.
The smelter expansion would grow production out of SA to 500ktpa through the 2030s.
“Partnering with Nerin reflects our focus on building a globally connected supply chain to support Cooper South Australia’s growth,” BHP group procurement officer Rashpal Bhatti said.
New partnership for spirit awards
The Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of South Australia and Tasting Australia have partnered for a new program.
The Royal Australian Spirits Awards and Tasting Australia Spirit Awards will be unified into a national program to kick off in April 2027.
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It would combine the “strengths and legacy” of both spirit awards to provide greater value for sponsors, producers, industry and distillers.
“While we’re still in the early stages of planning, this partnership marks an exciting opportunity to create a single, elevated national awards program that celebrates excellence in Australian distilling,” a Royal Australian Spirit Awards statement said.
Luxury hotel opens in CBD
A $73 million Amora Hotels and Resorts hotel in Victoria Square officially opened its doors earlier this month.
Guests and visitors are now able to experience the first stage of the hotel’s transformation, including a redesigned lobby and a new concierge arrival experience.
Amora Hotel Adelaide will continue with its renovations in stages and soon unveil restaurants Victoria’s Table and the revitalised COAL Cellar and Grill.
“Today is about acknowledging the progress made in revitalising this iconic building and sharing that journey with the city,” Amora Hotels and Resorts CEO Earp Siriphatrawan.
SA hits back-to-back trade records
South Australia has exported more to the world than ever before, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The state’s goods exports hit $18.4 billion in the year to May 2026, rising by $220 million to exceed the previous record of $18.2 billion set a month prior.
It marks the third time the export value has exceeded $18 billion in the state’s history, with all occurrences happening this year.
“To increase our exports by over $220 million in a single month and reach a new all-time high of $18.4 billion is an outstanding achievement that reflects the growing strength and diversity of our economy,” Minister for State Development Chris Picton said.
Credit Union partners with homelessness initiative
Credit Union SA has partnered with Rough Sleeper, an Australian clothing brand that supports people experiencing homelessness.
The partnership has allowed 180 puffer jackets to be donated to the Hutt Street Centre to be distributed to clients, providing essential warmth and comfort during the colder months.
It comes as Code Blue extreme winter weather responses have been activated in recent weeks, increasing daytime operation hours, extending street outreach and increasing practical aid.
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