The iLAuNCH Trailblazer program announced a new partnership with Deloitte Australia, positioning Australian space research and development (R&D) to engage with international organisations in a move aimed at collaboratively developing and commercialising the nation’s space technologies.
iLAuNCH has introduced the Global Pathfinder Program, which will extend its efforts to foster partnerships between Australian universities, industry, and international markets.
This expansion is set to unlock opportunities for Australian research institutions and businesses, boosting their capabilities on a global stage, iLAuNCh said in a news release.
The program will involve collaboration between Deloitte and the three founding iLAuNCH universities – the University of Southern Queensland, the Australian National University, and the University of South Australia – along with over 30 commercial partners.
“Australia ranks in the top echelons for developing Intellectual Property, but we don’t capitalise well to commercialise. The Australian Government created the Trailblazer Universities Program to overcome this, providing AUD 370 million of dedicated investment to accelerate Australia’s innovation agenda at speed and at scale,” said iLAuNCH Trailblazer Executive Director Darin Lovett.
Lovett highlighted the importance of the new Global Pathfinder initiative, describing it as an innovative step designed to mirror international space ecosystems.
The goal, he said, is to position Australia’s cutting-edge space technology within the global marketplace.
In the first phase of the project, Deloitte will use its global network to identify international organisations interested in partnering on space R&D through the Global Pathfinder Program.
“Deloitte has a long-standing commitment to developing Australia’s space ecosystem and promoting a unified global approach to space sector development. We are excited to work with iLAuNCH Trailblazer to expand our work with the Australian higher education system,” said Byron Riessen, Space Partner at Deloitte Australia.
Riessen pointed to Deloitte’s involvement in initiatives like the GRAVITY Challenge, which began in Australia in 2019 and now operates globally, as an example of the firm’s dedication to the space sector.
With AUD 140 million already committed to iLAuNCH Trailblazer projects in the past year, the Global Pathfinder Program represents another critical step in connecting Australian expertise with international markets and opportunities.
By doing so, the initiative will support the continued growth of Australia’s space industry.
The international partners in the Global Pathfinder Program are expected to be announced in late 2024, following the completion of the project’s first phase.
