iLAuNCH Trailblazer has announced a further AUD1 million in funding to accelerate university research towards commercialisation.
Part of the AUD180 million Trailblazer program, the iLAuNCH Accelerator will house a Fast Track fund, dedicated to seed funding for proof-of-concept demonstrator technologies with long-term commercial prospects.
Fast Track will provide funding pathways for early-stage commercialisation activities with iLAuNCH’s three university partners; the University of Southern Queensland, the Australian National University and the University of South Australia, to demonstrate the concept and market needs for developments applicable to the space industry.
The Australian Government’s Trailblazer Universities Program provides dedicated investment to accelerate Australia’s innovation agenda at speed and scale.
“We have a mandate under Trailblazer to commercialise Australian R&D and promote industry collaboration,” said iLAuNCH Executive Director Darin Lovett. “Together with our three universities, we will showcase world-class Australian research and capacity adding to the over AUD100 million already committed in projects over the last year.”
Fast Track is designed to bridge the funding gap for effective translation and commercialisation of intellectual property. Through industry partnerships, iLAuNCH will highlight the potential for innovation and technology transfer by securing follow-on funding and licencing opportunities.
Grants of up to AUD100,000 for each project will be awarded to game-changing space technology ideas, proposals and activities that demonstrate commercial potential. In addition to funding, successful applicants will also be enrolled in the iLAuNCH ON Prime program run twice yearly by CSIRO and have access to mentoring by space industry experts.
The first round of Fast Track applications is now open until November 30, 2024. Applications will be awarded as they are assessed and selected to meet funding criteria, including partnering with iLAuNCH Trailblazer.
