NSW Government launches National Space Industry Hub in Sydney

The NSW government has opened the National Space Industry Hub in Eveleigh, Sydney. The hub forms part of Sydney’s Tech Central Precinct and offers office space, resources, mentoring and connections for emerging space ventures. It is delivered on behalf of the NSW Government by established incubator Cicada Innovations.

The NSW Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Stuart Ayres, said among the first residents of the hub are the Space Industry Association of Australia, the government-backed NSW Space Research Network and the NSW Node of the SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

“These organisations bring together industry, universities and researchers to ensure we continue to have the strongest space capability in Australia,” Mr Ayres said.

As part of the launch of the hub the NSW Government and Cicada Innovations have also launched the Fast Start intense coaching program, which aims to help companies commercialise innovative ideas.

Participants in the first cohort include Extraterrestrial Power, which aims to support space missions by producing advanced silicon solar cells, and Amentum Aerospace, which specialises in predictive scientific modelling software to enhance operational planning for space missions.

Both companies will receive a six-month tailored program of mentoring and coaching, access to state-of-the-art rapid prototyping facilities and a dedicated workspace at the hub.

Cicada Innovations CEO Sally-Ann Williams said that the hub was ready and waiting to support the participants, through a range of virtual and COVID-safe in-person activity.

“NSW is a fantastic place to build a Space venture. We’re surrounded by experience, talent, capital and the community to support space entrepreneurs on their journey,” Ms Williams said.

The NSW Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, and Minister for Skills and Training, Alister Henskens, said ensuring NSW has a talent pipeline of highly skilled workers was critical to ensuring NSW remains competitive in the space race.

Also launched as part of the hub’s opening was the Foundations Program, a free online learning resource for researchers, engineers and aspiring entrepreneurs looking for foundational knowledge on how to commercialise space technology.