Technology, Innovation & Science

The owners of South Perth company Desktop Mapping Systems, led by managing director David Baxter, have agreed to sell the business to ASX-listed Technology One for $12 million in cash.

Olivia Humphrey's tech business is making inroads in the US, without the need for venture capital investment.

Today We Learned allows teachers to send specific 60-second updates to parents so they can start better conversations with their children. It closes the loop between the school, the student and the home.

Local IT company ASG Group has won a $15 million contract to provide its services to gas and electricity provider Synergy, and has flagged further possible contract wins potentially worth over $80 million.

Boutique Subiaco-based technology company Velpic has signed a $5.2 million deal to finance international growth plans, as part of a reverse takeover by east coast-based International Coal.

TPG Telecom has quickly won backing from iiNet after lifting its takeover offer to $9.55 per share, with cash and scrip alternatives, as it fends off a rival bid from Dodo owner M2 Group.

Local tech entrepreneurs have pitched their ideas to representatives from the Big Pitch competition in Leederville today, with the pick of the crop to go into the national finals with a chance to win $5 million to fund their idea.

Digital CC has announced it will be launching the beta version of its new remittance product AirPocket in the June quarter, shifting its focus away from the volatile bitcoin market.

Two local firms are using drone technology to reduce the cost of mine surveying and environmental assessments.

Engine technology developer Orbital Corporation has been named the preferred supplier of engines and propulsion systems for Boeing's ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

Nextgen Group has signed a deal to supply Hancock Prospecting's Roy Hill iron ore project in the Pilbara with a high-speed data connection.

Specialist materials technology company Alexium International Group has raised about $8.45 million in a placement to a US private investor to fund development of its fire-retardant chemicals project.

Universities need to arm graduates with a set of global skills to deal with unprecedented technological change, according to Deborah Terry.

Perth-based Amcom Telecommunications has pushed back its scheme meeting to vote on the Vocus Communications takeover deal by two weeks, after Sydney competitor and Amcom's major shareholder TPG Telecom yesterday said it would vote against the proposal.

The Parkhound service puts those with car parking space to rent out in touch with those looking for space to rent. The site and app allows drivers to compare off-street residential and commercial parking, and also in a world first, street parking options.

Minerals Corporation, which in 2013 was one of the first Perth-based mining companies to attempt a backdoor listing, has announced plans to exit the resources sector by acquiring an online music competition business.

The fate of Perth companies iiNet and Amcom Telecommunications rests with Sydney competitor TPG Telecom and its reclusive chairman David Teoh, and possibly with the competition watchdog, after a day of surprises.

Swan Taxis has targeted its Perth customers with a new app aimed at making taxi bookings more convenient.

The company behind the reverse takeover of local cloud-based technology company Norwood Systems has raised $5.5 million in an oversubscribed share offer.

Shares in internet market target iiNet surged again today to a new intra-day high before closing at around $10 each in line with yesterday's formal bid from M2 Group.

Perth-based health fund HBF has formed a partnership with online comparison service provider iSelect to distribute its suite of health insurance products outside of Western Australia.

A Perth-based company is looking to make an international impact in the concrete cutting industry.

Developers are turning to innovative building methods to help address the costs of constructing hotels.

East Africa Resources has become the 36th Perth-based company to announce a backdoor listing deal in the past 18 months, with plans to exit uranium exploration and acquire local security services business Threat Protect Australia.

The mining industry is adopting new technology it hopes will raise flexibility and lower costs in a changing environment.

The Snaptch app allows models and other creative professionals to showcase their portfolio and social media presence to the industry.

Consumers are ditching their desktop and laptop computers in favour of tablets and smart phones amid surging demand for streamed content, Telstra says.

Liberty Resources is ticking the remaining boxes on its list of requirements to be met for its proposed acquisition of Cirrus Networks, with an independent expert giving the transaction its stamp of approval today, ahead of a shareholders meeting next month.

Four months after listing on the ASX, technology company DTI Group has slashed its revenue and profit guidance for the current financial year after being hit by delays in the awarding of prospective contracts, deferred deliveries to the US market and softer sales in the US.

Streaming service Quickflix says the launch of rival Netflix has sparked interest in the industry and helped it attract thousands of new customers.

Perth-based tech startup Resource Governance International is seeking to change the way mining companies report their resources and reserves, launching a $3 million capital raising to commercialise software it hopes will become the industry standard.

Mineler aims to become the global platform for mining people to bid for work and supply contracts, connect with colleagues and share industry knowledge. Members create their own mining industry-specific CV, which is targeted to companies in their field and showcases their on-site experience. Users can then place bids for work contracts on mining projects.