Scientists say lighter, deep-sea diving equipment, made out of titanium, is closer to becoming a reality, after a major cash injection into a New Zealand project.
Titanium Technologies New Zealand has been granted close to $14.5 million from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
University of Waikato professor Brian Gabbitas said the funding would enable this country to develop and keep its reputation as a world leader in titanium technology.
He said the researchers were working to develop a corrosion-resistant, lightweight breathing apparatus for a deep-sea diving helmet, and a deep-sea diving knife.
The hope is to have a $1 billion-a-year titanium-based export industry by 2030.
