Geelong’s Advanced Fibre Cluster (AFCG) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the World Trade Center New Orleans, formalising a long-term strategic partnership between two established centres of advanced manufacturing and industrial innovation.
The agreement brings together Geelong—Australia’s leading hub for advanced fibre and composites manufacturing—and Louisiana, which is continuing to expand its capabilities across energy innovation and advanced manufacturing. The partnership is designed to strengthen collaboration across clean economy sectors where both regions have complementary strengths.
Under the MoU, the two organisations will work together in areas including carbon utilisation, sustainable aviation fuels, renewable energy, and low-carbon materials such as carbon fibre, composites, green steel, and advanced construction materials. The focus is on practical collaboration that supports industrial development, technology deployment, and commercial outcomes.
In the first year, the partnership will concentrate on mapping innovation assets across both regions. This includes identifying research institutions, testing and demonstration facilities, and areas of comparative advantage that could support joint projects and investment. The aim is to establish a clear foundation for collaboration that can translate into economic growth.
Beyond this initial phase, the agreement outlines support for start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises seeking to enter new markets, along with annual forums to bring together industry and technical experts to exchange knowledge on emerging technologies and shared challenges. The partnership also creates pathways for joint research, development, and commercialisation initiatives over the longer term.
The MoU builds on an existing economic relationship between Australia and Louisiana, which has seen significant Australian investment in the region in recent years. It is further supported by regional and city-level organisations on both sides, reinforcing links between industry, research, and policy.
Overall, the agreement represents a three-year commitment to strengthening cross-border connections, supporting advanced manufacturing supply chains, and creating opportunities for collaboration between Australian and US businesses operating in clean energy and advanced materials sectors.
Original article:
https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/geelongtimes/news/geelongs-fibre-cluster-signs-mou-with-louisiana/
Jan 2026