Transforming space research into industry breakthroughs at iLAunCH
For this episode, we have invited Milica Symul, COO of iLAuNCH at the University of Southern Queensland, to talk about the Trailblazer Universities Program.
Milica discusses the program’s focus on commercialisation, tech acceleration, workforce development, and STEM education. We will also touch on the challenges of industry collaboration and the unique opportunities in Australia’s regional areas.
In this article, we summarise part of that conversation, but you can listen to the full interview in our podcast:
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The field of space innovation continues to push boundaries and set new horizons for what is possible. At the forefront of this movement in Australia is iLAuNCH’s Trailblazer Program, helmed by Milica Symul, an influential leader with extensive experience in space industry initiatives.
In 2022, the program selected six universities to focus on key sectors including critical minerals, energy, recycling, food, defence, and space. The space-specific Trailblazer under iLAuNCH is particularly noteworthy as it is led by a regional university – the University of Southern Queensland – in collaboration with the Australian National University and the University of South Australia.
Structure of the program
The Trailblazer Program is structured around four primary pillars:
- Core commercialisation projects: Larger, transformative endeavours conducted in partnership with industry to translate research into practical applications. The focus is on advancing technologies that are at mid-level technology readiness levels (TRLs) of four to five, aiming to further develop these technologies towards commercial viability.
- Acceleration programs: Focused on earlier-stage technologies, these programs aim to increase their TRLs through short, intensive sprints. They also educate researchers on the nuances of commercialisation, equipping them with both business and innovation skills.
- Educational initiatives: These initiatives target the future workforce by developing industry-aligned curricula and micro-credentials. They aim to produce graduates whose skills meet the rapidly evolving demands of industries, particularly in areas such as software engineering and space technologies.
- STEM outreach: This component seeks to inspire and engage students of all ages in STEM subjects through space-themed activities and programs. The goal is to boost interest and diversity in STEM fields, leveraging space as an inspirational backdrop.
Overcoming challenges and setting ambitious goals
The ambitious nature of the Trailblazer Program is evident in its tight timeframe. Originally planned as a four-year initiative, the program had to condense its goals into three and a half years due to initial delays. This timeframe is particularly challenging in the space industry, known for its high barriers to entry and stringent qualification requirements.
To achieve its objectives, the program employs rigorous project management strategies, including strict technology roadmaps and industry-standard KPIs. The selection of projects and academic teams is based on their potential to work effectively with industry partners and drive research towards commercialisation.
Engaging industry and building a sustainable ecosystem
The success of the Trailblazer Program relies heavily on active participation from industry partners. In Australia, the space industry is predominantly composed of SMEs and startups, alongside a few larger primes primarily engaged in defence.
To attract these smaller companies, the program aligns its projects with the business needs of the companies involved. This approach ensures that the collaborative efforts serve the practical interests of these businesses, providing them with risk mitigation, funding, and research expertise.
Given the nascent stage of Australia’s space industry, the Trailblazer Program also plays a crucial role in setting the foundation for a sustainable ecosystem. This includes developing pathways for international collaboration and creating platforms for engagement at scale.
Addressing regional and international dimensions
A significant focus of the Trailblazer Program is regional development. Headquartered in Toowoomba, Queensland, the program also operates nodes in Canberra and Adelaide, aiming to bolster regional economies through the growth of space-related industries.
International engagement is another critical aspect. The program seeks to integrate Australian innovations into global supply chains, ensuring that the technologies developed are competitive on the world stage.
Future vision and legacy
Looking ahead, the Trailblazer Program envisions an Australian space industry that is not only vibrant and economically productive but also pivotal to broader societal goals such as climate change mitigation and sustainable resource management. By fostering innovation and bridging the gap between academia and industry, the program aims to create a lasting impact on both national and global scales.
Space is not just about exploration and adventure; it is an essential ingredient for the quality of life on Earth. The Trailblazer Program aspires to harness this potential, driving Australia’s space ambitions into a tangible reality.
iLAuNCH’s Trailblazer Program represents a bold and strategic effort to transform Australia’s approach to space innovation. Through its focused pillars, industry engagement, and regional initiatives, the program is poised to make significant strides in commercialising space technologies and establishing Australia as a key player in the global space industry.
Ready for more?
In our conversation with Paul Van Dun, General Manager of KU Leuven Research and Development (LRD) unit, he explains how it became a one-stop-shop, seamlessly integrating contract research, patenting, licensing, and more. Listen now to his podcast episode, From small office to innovation powerhouse: The 51-year evolution of KU Leuven’s Tech Transfer.
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