iLAuNCH second round investments now open

The iLAuNCH Trailblazer, based at the University of South Queensland (USQ), has issued an open call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to access remaining funding to foster the creation and commercialisation of space and aerospace-related research and innovation in Australia.

Entries close at midnight AEST on Monday 20 November 2023.

“The iLAuNCH Trailblazer is a $180m program to transform Australia’s competitiveness by rapidly commercialising university research through industry partnerships. Our efforts directly enhance Australia’s burgeoning space industry,” said iLAuNCH Executive Director Darin Lovett.

“We have already brought together a powerful consortium of industry and research partners focusing on developing advanced technologies for space and aerospace manufacturing applications, including associated manufacturing supply chains.”

“iLAuNCH commercialisation projects aim to elevate the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of research projects to commercial-ready applications, foster pathways to market, and ultimately propel Australia’s space and aerospace industries to profitability.”

The Open Call will seek new project opportunities relevant to iLAuNCH priorities and programs from industry-led partnerships with research organisations.

For example, iLAuNCH Core Commercialisation project areas include Additive Manufacturing; Material Processing and Advanced Materials; Hypersonics and Flight Diagnostics; Rocket launch; Rocket manufacturing; Satellites, Communications and Sensors; and Advanced Technologies for Aerospace and Space Applications.

iLAuNCH Core Commercialisation projects must be undertaken in collaboration with one of three partner universities – The University of Southern Queensland, The Australian National University, or the University of South Australia.

The iLAuNCH team will host an online information session Wednesday 1 November 2023 to answer questions and launch their industry research and development.

The Innovative Launch, Automation, Novel Materials, Communications and Hypersonics (iLAuNCH) Trailblazer is a $180 million program to transform Australia’s competitiveness. Through this federal program, iLAuNCH will receive $50 million of investment over four years, alongside a further $130 million from its three partner universities, industry partners, and CSIRO. The net economic benefit of the $180 million investment is expected to be $3.6 billion by 2040.

To learn more about the funding call, visit ilaunch.space/core-commercialisation-projects/ilaunch-second-round-investment-call-eoi.