Geelong’s fibre cluster signs MoU with Louisiana

THE Advanced Fibre Cluster Geelong (AFCG) and the World Trade Center New Orleans (WTCNO) have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a long-term strategic partnership.

This partnership brings together two globally recognised hubs of industry and innovation – Geelong, home to Australia’s leading advanced fibre and composites manufacturing cluster; and Louisiana, a rising centre of excellence in energy innovation and advanced manufacturing.

The MoU outlines a blueprint for collaboration across clean economy sectors such as carbon utilisation, sustainable aviation fuels, renewable energy, and low-carbon materials such as carbon fibre, composites, green steel, and advanced building materials.

In its first year, the partnership will map out key innovation assets and opportunities across Geelong and Louisiana, identifying research institutions, testbeds, and comparative advantages that can drive joint projects and economic growth.

From there, both regions will support start-ups entering each other’s markets and convene experts annually to exchange insights on emerging technologies and industry challenges.

The MoU’s signing follows a visit to Geelong by a delegation from Louisiana in April.

“The World Trade Center New Orleans is proud to work alongside the Advanced Fibre Cluster Geelong,” WTCNO executive director Harrison Crabtree said.

“This partnership is a direct investment in the long-term economic growth for both our regions.

“It creates immediate opportunities to align our research, attract foreign investment, and drive the development of game-changing technologies, ensuring that both our regions remain at the forefront of energy innovation.”

The economic relationship between Australia and Louisiana is long standing with more $18 billion US dollars being invested by Australian companies into Louisiana over the past five years.

The agreement also includes the City of Greater Geelong and Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.), reinforcing a commitment to deepen connections across research, industry, and policy between the two regions.

This latest signing marks the beginning of a three-year collaboration designed to connect Australian and American SMEs, foster cross-market access, and create opportunities for joint R&D and commercialisation initiatives.

“This partnership brings together two regions that share a deep commitment to innovation, industry, and global collaboration,” GNO, Inc. president and chief executive officer Michael Hecht said.

“By linking Louisiana’s strengths in energy, advanced manufacturing, and logistics with Geelong’s expertise in advanced composites and materials, we are creating new opportunities for businesses, researchers, and workers alike.

“As a former resident of Melbourne, I can say ‘Good on ya, Geelong’!”

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said collaboration with New Orleans and Louisiana’s innovation ecosystem was a natural fit for Geelong.

“We value the opportunity to learn from each other, to share expertise, and to develop solutions that benefit our communities on both sides of the Pacific.

“By working together, we can develop future-focused policies and programmes that support our businesses, our workers, and our broader communities.”