The New South Wales Research Network (SRN) has selected seven projects to support under its first research pilot program.
Backed by the NSW government, SRN is a university-led program aimed at enhancing the local space industry by partnering with government and academic research institutions. The investments will specifically target technologies that will enhance the state’s space-based defence surveillance capabilities and improve the performance of computers in space and deliver sovereign production of communication systems.
Stefan Williams, SRN’s co-director and a professor at the University of Sydney, said the network seeks to develop and support a comprehensive strategy that will foster growth within the state’s space research and industry.
Alister Henskens, minister for science, innovation, and technology, said the latest investment will accelerate local R&D opportunities, further supporting NSW’s already established talent in the space industry.
“Collaboration between government, industry and our universities is essential to successful commercialisation of our world-leading research. This investment is another example of our commitment to turbocharging local R&D opportunities so that our State remains at the forefront of this innovative and rapidly growing industry,” Henskens said.
Hugh Durrant-Whyte, NSW’s chief scientist and engineering professor, said the SRN plays a key role in the state’s efforts to cement its place in the global space industry.
“NSW boasts world-leading space R&D and is home to the largest concentration of space-related activity in Australia, with more than 40 per cent of the country’s space businesses and more than a third of its space startups,” Durrant-Whyte noted.
