Microtau Pty Ltd

Founded in 2016 and based in New South Wales, Australia, Microtau Pty Ltd. operates as a manufacturer of 3D printers capable of producing ultraviolet-curable coatings and other microstructures. The company was founded by its CEO, Henry Bilinsky. In June 2022, Microtau Pty Ltd.

raised AUD 5. 6 million in seed funding from Virescent Ventures and Bandera Capital. The company develops an approach to reducing drag and enhancing material properties, including anti-fouling, anti-bacterial, and hydrophobic effects, by printing microscopic patterns inspired by natural surfaces. The firm’s technology includes the Direct Contactless Microfabrication (DCM) process, a cutting-edge method that uses light to print these microscopic patterns.

Microtau employs Ultraviolet (UV)-curable coatings in various industries, such as aerospace, shipping, and energy. MicroTau's flagship product revolves around printing riblet surfaces, inspired by the skin of sharks, that reduce drag by up to 10%, offering a profound impact on industries reliant on fuel efficiency. The firm's expertise allows them to customize riblet designs to suit specific drag reduction applications, potentially saving the commercial aviation and shipping industries fuel costs and significantly curbing CO2 emissions. The company partners with The University of Sydney, Bionic Surface Technologies, Titan Robotics, and Joanneum Research, among others, to expand the application of their microfabrication solutions.

The organization plans to use the June 2022 funding to expand its manufacturing base to supply overseas operators, increase the talent headcount of scientists, engineers, and business development specialists, and promote the application of its shark skin product on wide-bodied commercial aircraft.