South Australian space companies embark on growth mission with new UniSA program

South Australian space companies embark on growth mission with new UniSA program
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) May 08, 2024

The University of South Australia (UniSA) has launched a new business growth program aimed at assisting early-stage space companies in South Australia. The program includes a six-month initiative called the Growth Ramp space pathway, hosting its first cohort of six companies.

The participating companies-AICRAFT, ESpy Ocean, HEX20, Orbital Blue, ResearchSat, and Robinson Aerospace Systems-are engaging in a program managed by UniSA's Australian Centre for Business Growth (AUCBG) and the Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC). The South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC), supported by state government funding, also backs the initiative as part of the Venture Catalyst Space Program.

This program specifically targets CEOs and managing directors of space-related businesses, focusing on strategies for scalable and sustainable growth. The growth challenges that small space firms encounter transitioning from niche startups to established growth-oriented enterprises are considerable.

Professor Ryan Williams, AUCBG Director and Playford Chair of Business Growth, commented on the program's objectives. "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," said Prof Williams. "They will share their business growth journeys with fellow space companies, creating a powerful peer learning experience and a lifelong network."

Stephen Mullighan, Minister for Defence and Space Industries, expressed optimism about the program's potential impact. "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," Minister Mullighan explained.

The Growth Ramp space pathway is fully funded for participants, including alumni from the ICC's Venture Catalyst Space Program, to aid their scaling efforts.

Brief overviews of the participating companies are as follows:

- AICRAFT focuses on electronics and semiconductor technology for AI solutions in high-performance computing.

- ESpy Ocean develops monitoring tools against illegal fishing and poaching.

- HEX20 offers customized satellite mission solutions.

- Orbital Blue creates technologies for safer space navigation and collision avoidance.

- ResearchSat aims to advance human health through biomedical research in microgravity.

- Robinson Aerospace Systems motivates students towards careers in space technology and STEM fields.