Australian small businesses and startups are set to be cultivated into the global space industry through a new national program.
Funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources through the Incubator Support Initiative, the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE) and Atomic Sky, the ‘QuantumTX Fast Forward’ Technology for Earth and Space program is designed to aid in scaling technological solutions, aligning with Australia’s goal of tripling its sector size by 2030.
The program is open to all startups that range across the full spectrum of automated to autonomous capabilities, including robotic platforms, artificial intelligence, interoperability, and services that support remote operations.
Quantum Technology Exchange founder Adjunct Professor (and last year’s Incite Achiever of the Year) Peter Rossdeutscher says the program is the right step in resolving sector issues.
“This is a significant opportunity for Australian SME’s and ‘scale-ups’ to leverage their expertise in robotics, technology, and systems to solve major industry challenges with international collaboration and industry support,” he says.
“Participation in the QuantumTX program is valued at $25,000 but due to industry and government sponsorship, will be offered free for up to 20 Australian businesses via a competitive application process.”
The QuantumTX program also includes a series of masterclasses, industry mentoring and access to experts with experience from various infamous space organisations, such as NASA, Nova Systems, the European Space Agency, AROSE, Atomic Sky, and many more.
AROSE CEO Leanne Cunnold, METS Ignited General Manager WA & SA Kylah Morrison, Quantum Technology Exchange Founder Adjunct Professor Peter Rossdeutscher and AROSE Program Director Michelle Keegan are urging innovative small-to-medium enterprises and ‘scale-ups’ to apply for this year’s QuantumTX Program. Source Supplied.
The program is also aligned with the Australian Space Agency’s Robotics and Automation on Earth and in Space Roadmap, and Head of the agency Enrico Palermo believes QuantumTX will allow for more opportunities across the sector, while assisting in the development of Australia’s space industry.
“Australia’s expertise in robotics and automation, in particular remote operations, will support the next frontier on the lunar surface and beyond,” he says.
Our vision in this area is bold, built upon a strong backbone of demonstrated capability. We encourage programs like QuantumTX by Atomic Sky and AROSE to play a critical role in creating connections, capacity and opportunities across sectors whilst helping build home-grown space capabilities.
Mr Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency
Supported and sponsored by AROSE, participants will visit leading remote system sites, including Furgo’s Space Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Control Complex (SpAARC). AROSE CEO Leanne Cunnold has high hopes the program will bring a significant boost to Australia’s space sector.
“Australia is at the cutting-edge of robotics technology and systems for remote operations, which are going to be central to setting up a sustainable presence on the Moon, and eventually supporting human exploration of Mars,” she says.
“AROSE is proud to sponsor the QuantumTX program which will give SME’s and ‘scale-ups’ a tremendous opportunity to leverage and diversify their expertise into the space sector.”
Applications opened on 10 August 2022 and will close on 16 September 2022.
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Further information about the QuantumTX program is available via this link.
