Rachael Barritt, business operations manager for Dovetail Electric Aviation, is joining the Swinburne University of Technology as the first Founder in Residence for 2023.
Barritt will work closely with Swinburne’s top researchers in the Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub) to develop new ideas and ventures aimed at shaping the future of sustainable aviation.
The team will leverage the hub’s cutting-edge capabilities in intelligent manufacturing processes, advanced composite materials, advanced air operations, and sustainable fuels.
“As a Founder In Residence at Swinburne, I am excited to be working at the forefront of aerospace technology. This program represents the future of innovation,” Barritt said.
“Working with leading experts from industry and academia, we will help translate cutting-edge research into sustainable, real-world solutions for the aviation industry.”
The Founder in Residence program seeks to onboard experts from industry to Swinburne to help supercharge commercialisation pathways, backed by Swinburne’s world-leading facilities, capabilities, and research.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dovetail Electric Aviation and Rachael Barritt to Swinburne,” said Dr Werner van der Merwe, Swinburne’s vice president for innovation and enterprise.
“By connecting experienced entrepreneurs and leading researchers, we are accelerating the commercialisation of new technology to put Australia at the forefront of global innovation. Together, we are paving the way for a sustainable future for air travel,” van der Merwe said.
The Founder in Resident initiative is expected to accelerate market-led venture creation across three of Swinburne’s flagship research areas, which are space and aerospace technology, innovative planet, and medical technology.
The program will create new ventures of mutual benefit to entrepreneurs and researchers, fast-tracking technological advancements and developing robust market-ready solutions.
