University of South Australia (UniSA) has launched its first-ever business growth program that is tailored towards space star-ups.
The six-month Growth Ramp space pathway program was conceived for business owners, CEOs and managing directors of space companies who are looking to scale and sustainably grow their respective organisations.
Six early-stage South Australian businesses have been selected to be part of the program’s first cohort:
- AICRAFT – specialises in purpose-built electronics and advanced semiconductor technology to enable ultra-compact, high-speed, low-power AI solutions for high-performance computing at the edge.
- ESpy Ocean – offers tools for anti-poaching and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and transport vessels.
- HEX20 – provider of turnkey satellite mission solutions built according to the client’s needs.
- Orbital Blue – builder of solutions for safe navigation in space orbits by developing next-generation collision avoidance capabilities.
- ResearchSat – aiming to revolutionise life sciences and biomedical research by harnessing the unique potential of microgravity environments for advancing human health beyond Earth’s boundaries.
- Robinson Aerospace Systems – educating as well as igniting passion among secondary school students on space technology, inspiring them to pursue careers in Australia’s space and STEM industries.
Small space businesses, particularly start-ups, face significant challenges growing from specialised small firms to become fully-fledged, sustainable, growth companies, according AUCBG Director and Playford Chair of Business Growth, Professor Ryan Williams, which is something the program seeks to address.
“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,” Prof Williams said. “They will share their business growth journeys with fellow space companies, creating a powerful peer learning experience and a lifelong network.”
Minister for Defence and Space Industries Stephen Mullighan says the high quality of local space companies joining the inaugural program is another encouraging sign for the state’s space sector.
“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,” Mullighan said.
Space start-ups looking to scale up, including those completing the ICC’s Venture Catalyst Space Program, are eligible to be part of the program.
The program is delivered by UniSA’s Australian Centre for Business Growth (AUCBG) in collaboration with the Innovation & Collaboration Centre (ICC)., with support from the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) – which receives state government funding – as part of the Venture Catalyst Space Program.
