Swinburne launches $3m Space Tech hub with EY

The hub builds on the Swinburne Space Technology and Industry Institute’s work with the EY Data Science Challenge, developing AI to help spot bushfires from space for the Country Fire Authority. Image: ShutterStock.
In summary
- The new Space Tech hub is a collaboration between Swinburne University of Technology and EY Australia to tackle major environmental and economic issues using cutting-edge space research
- The hub will leverage Swinburne’s next-gen talent and world-leading technology to address real-world problems
- The $3 million project is another step towards Swinburne’s pledge to build the engine room for innovation and economic growth in Australia’s burgeoning space sector
Protecting our environment, supporting resilient communities, and solving real-world problems will be the focus of a new Space Tech hub created by Swinburne University of Technology and EY Australia.
Supported by $3 million from EY, the hub will leverage Swinburne’s global leadership position in space, its renowned academics and researchers, and innovative technology such as the OzSTAR supercomputer to provide tech solutions to industry partners.
Director of Swinburne’s Space Technology and Industry Institute, Professor Alan Duffy, said the pioneering hub was all about applying the knowledge gained from research across the universe to solve complex problems faced on Earth.
“We are excited to be combining Swinburne’s world-leading research, technology and education capabilities with EY’s deep global connections and end-user insights to create sustainable space tech solutions to real-world issues,” Professor Duffy said.
“Through the use of ground-breaking technology, like the Swinburne OzSTAR supercomputer, and our access to the next generation of talent, this partnership will position Australia’s space industry at the forefront of global economic, environmental and social opportunity.”
Solving real world problems
The Space Tech hub will initially have three key focus areas:
- Improving community resilience and environmental health
Helping communities and businesses effectively respond to the impact of natural disasters (fire, flood, climate) and climate change-related pressures. - Improving productivity
Boosting the safety and performance for industry partners through the adoption of space technology for managing critical infrastructure and assets under challenging conditions. - Creating an ecosystem to solve problems of national interest
Positioning Australia to lead globally in space technology to resolve issues of climate impact, land management, logistics and defence.
A dedicated EY team of 15 staff – comprised of scientists, data and analytics professionals, and AI specialists – will work on the hub, led by EY partner Anthony Jones, with support from Swinburne talent and technology.
“The Space Tech hub will solve big business problems by utilising space-derived data and services for terrestrial benefit,” Mr Jones said.
“We’ll be leveraging the capability of EY’s own astrophysicists, machine learning engineers and data scientists, as well as working with academics from Swinburne University of Technology, to help solve community resilience issues, drive decarbonisation initiatives, and aid in reducing the impact of natural disasters on communities.”
The hub builds on the Swinburne Space Technology and Industry Institute’s work with the EY Data Science Challenge, developing AI to help spot bushfires from space for the Country Fire Authority.
It forms part of the Institute’s pledge to build the engine room for space innovation and economic growth in a sector projected to be worth $1 trillion globally by 2040.
Find out more about the Institute’s work on everything from fighting the threat of space junk to making yoghurt in microgravity on our newsroom.
-
Media Enquiries
Related articles
-
- Astronomy
NASA’s Webb uncovers new details in Pandora’s Cluster
Astronomers have revealed the latest deep field image from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, featuring never-before-seen details in a region of space known as Pandora’s Cluster.
Thursday 16 February 2023 -
- Astronomy
Distant galaxy mirrors the early Milky Way
The Sparkler galaxy provides a snapshot of an infant Milky Way as it grows over cosmic time.
Tuesday 07 February 2023 -
- Astronomy
Star’s fatal encounter with black hole creates rare luminous flash
Halfway across the observable Universe, Swinburne researchers have aided the discovery of a bright optical flare caused by a supermassive black hole ripping a star apart.
Thursday 01 December 2022 -
- Astronomy
- Science
- University
Professor Brian Cox honoured at Swinburne
Swinburne has awarded world-renowned scientist Professor Brian Cox CBE FRS an honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of his significant contribution as a global leader in communicating the world of astronomy, physics and astrophysics.
Thursday 15 December 2022 -
- Astronomy
OzGrav makes waves with $35m to understand the universe
The Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery at Swinburne has been awarded a further $35 million in funding from the ARC for ground-breaking research
Friday 04 November 2022