The iLAuNCH Trailblazer has brought together leading researchers, industry partners and commercialisation experts for a two-day workshop in Canberra, strengthening pathways to market for Australian-developed space technologies and advancing the nation’s sovereign space capability.

Held at the Australian National University (ANU) on 9–10 November 2026, the iLAuNCH Core Commercialisation Workshop provided an opportunity to review project achievements, identify emerging commercial opportunities and develop strategies to translate research and innovation into lasting industry outcomes.

The workshop brought together Chief Investigators and industry partners from iLAuNCH’s three university partners, the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), the Australian National University (ANU) and Adelaide University (AU), alongside members of the iLAuNCH Advisory Board, Technical Advisory Panel of Experts (TAPE) and university commercialisation teams.

As the iLAuNCH Trailblazer enters its final 18 months, the focus is shifting from research and technology development towards commercial readiness, market adoption and building an enduring Australian space industry.

Opening the workshop, iLAuNCH Advisory Board Chair Rachel Noble PSM reflected on the program’s achievements and the importance of converting Australia’s research strengths into commercial success.

“We have built a strong foundation. Now we need to turn that foundation into commercial outcomes and an enduring legacy for Australian industry,” Ms Noble said.

“Think about customers, markets, investment, manufacturing readiness, pathways to scale and what success looks like commercially.”

From research excellence to commercial opportunity

The first day featured presentations from iLAuNCH project leads and industry partners, showcasing progress across the program’s portfolio of space technologies, hypersonics & microgravity, advanced manufacturing and materials research.

Presentations highlighted technical achievements, industry collaboration and commercialisation pathways, providing an opportunity for project teams to share their progress and explore opportunities to accelerate technologies towards market.

The iLAuNCH Technical Advisory Panel of Experts recognised that sovereign capability was not simply an ambition discussed throughout the day, but was being demonstrated through tangible project outcomes and genuine collaboration between research and industry.

Reflecting on the presentations, TAPE member Eva Rodriguez highlighted the strength of these partnerships and the opportunities emerging for Australian industry.

“What stood out was the strong focus on sovereign capability across the projects. We’re seeing genuine collaboration between industry and academia, with Australian research being translated into practical technologies and commercial opportunities,” Ms Rodriguez said.

Discussions also reinforced the importance of translating research excellence into commercial opportunities, understanding both domestic and international market demand, and identifying the risks and capabilities that could influence future commercial success.

The panel emphasised the importance of protecting intellectual property, securing flight heritage and strengthening relationships across government, defence and industry. With global supply chains evolving and new market opportunities emerging, discussions highlighted Australia’s potential to become an increasingly competitive international partner in advanced space technologies.

Building practical pathways to market

The second day shifted from project presentations to hands-on commercialisation planning, facilitated by Hunter Walkenhorst, Associate Director, Partnerships and Commercialisation at iLAuNCH/UniSQ.

Through collaborative workshops, project teams explored commercial readiness, market opportunities and the critical steps required to advance their technologies beyond research and development.

Sessions incorporated Research Canvas activities, Commercial Readiness Level (CRL) assessments, commercial roadmapping and gap analysis to help teams identify priorities, address potential barriers and strengthen their pathways towards market adoption.

The activities encouraged participants to consider the broader commercialisation journey, including market demand, customer engagement, investment opportunities and the capabilities required to scale emerging technologies.

iLAuNCH Interim Executive Director Professor Emeritus Andrew Smith said the workshop reinforced the importance of collaboration and commercial focus as the program enters its next phase.

“The strength of iLAuNCH lies in the partnerships we have built between Australia’s leading researchers and industry. Our focus now is ensuring these partnerships translate into commercially viable technologies, stronger sovereign capability and lasting opportunities for Australian industry,” Professor Smith said.

Creating a lasting legacy for Australian industry

Since its establishment, iLAuNCH has developed a portfolio of 25 core commercialisation projects, committed more than $120 million towards these projects and supported the development of advanced technologies, research infrastructure and industry capability.

The workshop provided an important opportunity to build on this investment, strengthen connections across the iLAuNCH network and align future priorities with commercial outcomes.

As the program progresses towards its conclusion, iLAuNCH remains focused on accelerating the translation of Australian research into commercially viable technologies, strengthening domestic manufacturing capability and positioning Australian industry for long-term growth in the global space sector.

By bringing together research excellence, industry expertise and a shared commitment to commercialisation, iLAuNCH is working to ensure its impact extends well beyond the life of the Trailblazer program.