The University of South Australia (UniSA) has launched its inaugural business growth program, which targets space companies and six early-stage South Australian businesses. UniSA’s Australian Centre for Business Growth (AUCBG) delivers the new program in collaboration with the Innovation & Collaboration Centre (ICC).
AICRAFT, ESpy Ocean, HEX20, Orbital Blue, ResearchSat and Robinson Aerospace Systems comprise the first cohort of the six-month Growth Ramp space pathway. Of the six businesses, AICRAFT specialises in purpose-built electronics and advanced semiconductor technology to enable ultra-compact, high-speed, low-power AI solutions for high-performance computing at the edge. ESpy Ocean provides tools for anti-poaching and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and transport vessels.
HEX20 provides turnkey satellite mission solutions designed and delivered according to the client’s needs. Orbital Blue build solutions for safe navigation in space orbits by developing next-generation collision avoidance capabilities. ResearchSat wants to revolutionise life sciences and biomedical research by harnessing the unique potential of microgravity environments to advance human health beyond Earth’s boundaries. Finally, Robinson Aerospace Systems aims to educate secondary school students about space technology, encouraging them to pursue careers in Australia’s space and STEM industries.
The South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC), which receives state government funding as part of the Venture Catalyst Space Program, is also supporting the program. The targeted program is designed for business owners, CEOs and managing directors of space companies looking to scale and sustainably grow their organisation.
Small space companies, particularly startups, face significant challenges growing from specialised small firms to become fully-fledged, sustainable, growth companies, says AUCBG Director and Playford Chair of Business Growth, Professor Ryan Williams. “We’ve designed the Growth Ramp space pathway as an innovative program where space firms can learn the skills and knowledge they need to grow and scale their companies,” Prof Williams says. “They will share their business growth journeys with fellow space companies, creating a powerful peer learning experience and a lifelong network.”
Minister for Defence and Space Industries Stephen Mullighan says the high quality of local space companies joining the inaugural program is another encouraging sign for the state’s space sector. “There is huge opportunity for SA startup companies in the space industry, and this program gives them a boost towards growing their business substantially in the future,” said Mullighan.
Space startups looking to scale up, including those completing the ICC’s Venture Catalyst Space Program, were eligible for a fully funded place in the Growth Ramp space pathway program.
