The Australian space industry has received a significant boost as the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program announced an additional $1 million in funding to accelerate university research towards commercialisation.
This initiative is part of the broader $180 million Trailblazer program aimed at fostering innovation and industry collaboration, the University of Southern Queensland said in a news release.
The newly introduced iLAuNCH Accelerator will feature a Fast Track fund dedicated to providing seed funding for proof-of-concept demonstrator technologies with long-term commercial potential.
This fund will offer pathways for early-stage (Technology Readiness Level 3-4) commercialisation activities, in partnership with the University of Southern Queensland, The Australian National University, and the University of South Australia.
The funding was announced at the 17th Andy Thomas Australian Space Forum in Adelaide last week by iLAuNCH Executive Director, Darin Lovett.
The announcement followed a Ministerial Address by Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science, and a State of Space address from Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency.
“We have a mandate under Trailblazer to commercialise Australian R&D and promote industry collaboration,” said Lovett.
“Together with our three universities, we will showcase world-class Australian research and capacity, adding to the over $100 million already committed in projects over the last year.”
Fast Track aims to bridge the funding gap for the effective translation and commercialisation of intellectual property.
Through industry partnerships, iLAuNCH will highlight the innovation and technology transfer potential, securing follow-on funding and licensing opportunities.
Grants of up to $100,000 per project will be awarded to game-changing ideas, proposals, and activities with space technology demonstrating commercial potential.
Successful applicants will also be enrolled in the iLAuNCH ON Prime program run twice yearly by CSIRO and have access to mentoring by space industry experts.
iLAuNCH welcomes novel and creative proposals for Fast Track, including testing new ideas, techniques, and tools.
The expectation is that outcomes may form the basis of future flagship Trailblazer programs.
All proposals must demonstrate a clear roadmap for growing space research capabilities, aligning with national and international priorities, and meeting the space industry’s future needs.
The first round of Fast Track applications is now open until 30 November 2024.
Applications will be awarded as they are assessed and selected to meet funding criteria, including partnering with iLAuNCH Trailblazer Universities.
Further rounds will be open throughout 2025 and 2026.
More information and application details can be found at ilaunch.space.
