In the 2018-19 funding round, four projects got funding.
Space
We awarded $800,000 to the ANU. They wanted to start a Quantum Optical Ground Station at Mt Stromlo. This would give high speed optical communication between orbiting spacecraft and earth. It will be one of Australia's first systems dedicated to research and commercial use. It's also the first node in a proposed Australia-wide network of optical ground stations.
$1 million was awarded to Skykraft. They are a spin out company from the University of New South Wales. Funding will help them work with local and international partners. This will help them design and manufacture small satellite constellations. They will create a space-based air traffic management services.
Energy
We awarded $1.5 million to ITP Renewables. Funding will help them start a Distributed Energy Resources Laboratory at the Australian National University. They will work with industry and the tertiary education sector. The laboratory will create an interface with the energy grid. It will test devices and systems like:
- solar panels
- battery storage
- electric vehicles
- smart controllers.
It will help get information about how energy networks function.
Agri-Technology
We awarded $1.3 million to the ANU and CSIRO for the Centre For Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology. Funding will help create an innovation ecosystem where research and technology solve agricultural challenges.
Technology
We awarded $600,000 to Austcyber. Funding is to develop the Canberra Cyber Security Innovation Node. The Node will create jobs in Canberra's knowledge economy. It will focus on cyber security in the space, defence and education sectors.
