Our portfolios are well-diversified and we invest either directly or indirectly in thousands of different companies throughout the world, including those that are on the forefront of helping to control this pandemic.

Here’s a few companies that TelstraSuper invests in that are playing their part to stamp out the virus.

UltraLeap

The current rethink on how we interact and use public spaces has provided an opportunity for UltraLeap’s touchfree technology.

UltraLeap has developed world-leading hand tracking and mid-air haptic technologies that allow you to engage with the digital world more naturally—without touching surfaces. This means no touchscreens, no controllers and no keypads. Instead, they have enhanced 2D screens to develop fully immersive 3D experiences which provide natural, safe and effortless digital interactions.

Their touchless interfaces have the potential to enhance our everyday lives and demand for them has increased since the onset of COVID-19. This new technology may mean a future with touchless ways to use ATMs, order fast food or enter buildings. The list is endless!

Oxford Nanopore 

Keeping on top of transmission during a pandemic is vital, so with this in mind, Oxford Nanapore has built on the technology used for the Ebola and Zika outbreaks to provide the foundation for their new DNA sequencing technology.

Their new generation of DNA/RNA sequencing technology offers real-time analysis which results in rapid insights that are scalable to pockets or large populations of infection.

They are currently working with public health laboratories and authorities around the world to identify the virus, understand whether it is changing and find how it’s being transmitted. The company has also recently announced the development of LamPORE, a portable device that can be used to test hundreds of people on site to rapidly detect SARS-CoV-2 which is the virus that causes COVID-19.

Salesforce

The importance of excellent contact tracing during a pandemic cannot be underestimated. This vital cog in the management of COVID-19 is why the Salesforce software program is the system of choice for South Australia, Western Australia and New Zealand, and now Victoria.*

The digitised system covers the whole contact tracing process - from test results to interviews, follow up phone calls, and the management of cases and contacts.
Salesforce's technology is used to send automated text messages to alert health officials, infected people and potentially close contacts about positive tests, in an effort to speed up the contact tracing process and cut the infection rate.

CSL

It is critical we find and distribute a cure for the virus and CSL is working towards this goal. Should clinical trials prove successful, CSL has signed an agreement with the Australian Government to supply 51 million doses of the University of Queensland’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate (V451), and another with AstraZeneca to manufacture the Oxford University candidate (AZD1222).^

While looking for a vaccine, CSL is also looking to improve the outcomes for those who already have the virus. The company is currently developing a plasma product for the Australian market with the potential to treat people with serious COVID-19 complications . The product, to be known as COVID-19 Immunoglobulin, is under development at the company’s facility located in Broadmeadows, Victoria.#

They’re also taking part in “The fight is in us”. This campaign features world-leading medical and research institutions, blood centres, life science companies, technology companies, philanthropic organisations, and COVID-19 survivor groups all coming together to support the development of potential new therapies for patients with COVID-19.^^

TelstraSuper invests close to $10 billion in companies around the world, and we will continue to search for opportunities to strengthen the portfolio. These investments are managed on your behalf by specialist fund management organisations that are appointed and monitored by the TelstraSuper investment team. As well as the companies mentioned above, we invest in large global companies which include major tech companies. You can hear more on the companies we invest in here.

At TelstraSuper we’re here to help you build a secure financial future. TelstraSuper Financial Planning has a team of phone based Advisers who can provide you with simple and general advice about your TelstraSuper account at no additional cost to you. If you’d like to discuss your super, contact us on 1300 033 166 or by filling in our online contact form.