The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), through its iLAuNCH Trailblazer, is celebrating a major international achievement, with its project “Digital Thread Innovations for Aerospace & Defence” recognised with a JEC World 2026 Innovation Award in the Digital, Data and AI category.

The award recognises the project’s pioneering work in developing a full digital thread for composite repair, integrating processes from inspection, data interpretation, CAD-based damage mapping, automated patch design, scarfing, patch manufacture, application and certification. This innovation promises to significantly enhance the efficiency, accuracy and  safety of aerospace and defence composite repairs.

The project is a collaborative effort between the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) Centre for Future Materials and industry partners MEMKO, Boeing Australia, and Dassault Systems, and is supported under the iLAuNCH Trailblazer funding program.

“This award is a testament to the incredible collaboration between academia and industry. By creating a complete digital thread for composite repairs, we’re not only improving operational efficiency but also setting a new standard for the aerospace and defence sector,” said Dr Tristan Shelley, Project Lead.

In January Dr Shelley attended the JEC World 2026 ceremony in Paris to accept the award on behalf of the UniSQ team and industry partners.

“Partnering on this project has been an exciting journey. The recognition from JEC World highlights the impact of combining advanced digital tools with practical industry applications. We’re thrilled to see this innovation acknowledged on the global stage,” said MEMKO Systems General Manager, Ravi Jain.

iLAuNCH congratulates the entire project team on this remarkable achievement and is proud to support initiatives that drive innovation, collaboration and the future of Australia’s space and aerospace industries.

For more information on the project, visit:

Virtual twins to revolutionise composite aerospace vehicle repairs