Media Release
The NSW Government has announced today its partnership with the SmartSat CRC (Cooperative Research Centre) to establish a NSW node of the CRC, to be based in the National Space Industry Hub.
The node is being established with financial contributions from NSW Treasury and the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer.
The SmartSat CRC is a consortium of universities and other research organisations, partnered with industry and funded by the Australian Government to develop technologies in areas such as intelligent satellite systems and earth observation.
NSW Minister for Jobs and Investment Stuart Ayres said the Government was keen to support space research and development within the state.
“The SmartSat CRC is an important national initiative, and their aims strongly align with those of the National Space Industry Hub,” Mr Ayres said.
“We are delighted to support the success of the CRC by providing it with a home in NSW – a place where industry and researchers can collaborate on projects and create innovative solutions to challenges across our economy – with world-leading expertise at their fingertips.”
SmartSat CRC CEO Prof. Andy Koronios said the consortium was pleased to be establishing a node within the National Space Industry Hub.
“The node will enable us to bring the world-leading research in space conducted by our partners into the National Space Industry Hub,” he said.
“This will accelerate commercialisation, build the NSW space ecosystem and help overcome major challenges such as water management and the emergency response to catastrophic events such as bushfires.”
The initiative is part of the NSW Government’s space industry strategy launched on 19 February 2020.
The strategy is seeking expressions of interest for an industry partner to deliver two key initiatives to support the growth of the NSW space industry.
The first initiative is a National Space Industry Hub, which will increase collaboration within the space industry community, connecting space companies, researchers, government, academia and wider industry.
The State is also searching for a delivery partner to facilitate access to space for start-ups and researchers looking to commercialise their technologies.
Further information is available at business.nsw.gov.au/space and to submit an EOI go to https://www.business.nsw.gov.au/industry-sectors/industry-opportunities/space/expression-of-interest
The closing date for submissions will be 22 March 2020.
Image Credit: www.business.nsw.gov.au
