In another boost for the Australian space industry, the iLAuNCH Trailblazer today announced a further $1 million in funding to accelerate university research towards commercialisation.

Part of the $180 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 (TRL 3-4) commercialisation activities with our 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.

Announced at the 17^th Andy Thomas Australian Space Forum in Adelaide last week by iLAuNCH Executive Director, Darin Lovett, following on from a Ministerial Address by The Hon Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science, Australian Government, and a State of Space address from Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency.

“We have a mandate under Trailblazer to commercialise Australian R&D and promote industry collaboration,” said Mr Lovett.

“Together with our three universities, we will showcase world-class Australian research and capacity adding to the over $100 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 innovation and technology transfer potential, by securing follow-on funding and licencing opportunities.

Grants of up to $100,000 for each project will be awarded to game-changing ideas, proposals and activities with a space technology that demonstrates 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.

iLAuNCH welcomes novel and creative proposals for Fast Track including testing new ideas, techniques, and tools, with the expectation that the outcomes may form the basis of future flagship Trailblazer programs. All proposals must demonstrate a clear roadmap for growing space research capabilities, aligning with national and international priorities, and meeting the space industry’s future needs.

The fast-track model brings university and industry together to further develop university IP that has a direct translation into space industry products and services.

The first round of Fast Track applications is now open until 30 November 2024. Applications will be awarded as they are assessed and selected to meet funding criteria, including partnering with iLAuNCH Trailblazer Universities. Further rounds will be open throughout 2025 and 2026.

More information and how to apply can be found here.