3ME Technology developed a cell-level battery management system, where individual cells can be monitored, predictive analysis completed in real lime and a battery shut down remotely if a cell is not performing as expected.

This pioneering technology is being applied across the mining, defence and aerospace sectors. In a world first, 3ME Technology’s BLADEVOLT® battery system has been retrofitted into a typically diesel-powered 20- tonne loader — the workhorse of underground, hard rock mines. This Australian-made capability is now extending into the electrification of defence vehicles, supporting the upgrade of Australia’s sovereign defence land capabilities. 3ME Technology is also working with partners lo launch its battery systems into space.

Although there’s a saying “space is the final frontier”, this feels more like the beginning for 3ME Technology.

In 2021, 3ME Technology was ranked the most innovative company for agriculture, mining and utilities in Australasia by AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies.

“We’re at the forefront of an emerging Australian industry,” says 3ME Technology CEO Justin Bain. “There’s a big opportunity to scale up production because we’re solving safety and environmental problems that apply across a range of industries, not just mining. But we face the same challenge as most SMEs — getting access to capital to help us grow, while retaining control and staying focused on our technology vision.”

This will help accelerate Australia’s domestic battery manufacturing, and the investment is expected to triple 3ME Technology’s business capability over the next five (5) years, resulting in significant job creation in the NSW Hunter region.

ABGF CEO Anthony Healy explains: “ABGF is purpose-built for SME businesses. We offer patient, long-term (that is, up to 10 years) capital with realistic growth expectations and timeframes for exit set together with the businesses we invest in. We only take a minority share, so Australian small business owners like Justin and his team retain control. And we offer more than just capital; we are an active investor that provides ongoing strategic support and access to our network of international experts. Our position is to act as a catalyst for growth.”

ABGF is founded on a model established more than 10 years ago in the UK, to drive recovery and long-term growth as that economy emerged from the Global Financial Crisis. Since then, the UK Business Growth Fund (BGF) has invested £2.7 billion ($5.11 billion) in more than 400 companies.