NSW government calls for EoIs to run new space hub
The NSW Government has called for Expressions of Interest (EoI) from high-technology space industry incubators, accelerators and facilitators to activate and administer its new National Space Industry Hub as well as a pilot space qualification mission. The EoIs are due by 22 March.
The call for EoIs came with the release of the NSW Space Industry Development Strategy and a companion document, The Future of Space Made in NSW, by NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres MP. He said industries from the cities and regions would have the support of the NSW Government to ensure the state leads this innovative sector; the NSW Government has committed $5 million to delivering the new Strategy which has five strategic aims:
- Foster collaboration across the industry and with the research community
- Help to develop a fit-for-purpose workforce
- Support the growth of industry precincts
- Maximise NSW space industry activity
- Grow exports and attract investment into the NSW space sector
The National Space Industry Hub will be established at the Sydney Innovation and Technology Precinct which will stretch from Central station to the Australian Science Park at Eveleigh. The new hub will be designed to attract space sector startups, SMEs and researchers to a centralised location, creating a hub that is focussed on collaboration and commercialisation.
The EOI process will also include searching for a delivery partner to facilitate access to space for start-ups, including researchers looking to commercialise their technologies through a space qualification mission. Mr Ayes said the new Strategy also supports the NSW Government’s plan to develop a new space and manufacturing facility at Western Sydney Aerotropolis (WSA) adjoining the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.
Minister Ayres said the Space Industry Development Strategy will maximise opportunities for NSW businesses to take advantage of the growing demand for space technologies currently estimated to be worth $420 billion globally.
NSW currently accounts for 41 per cent of all Australian space businesses and 35 per cent of Australia’s university space research and development, said Mr Ayres.
To submit an EOI for the National Space Hub or space qualification mission, go to the NSW Government eTendering website. Submissions close 22 March 2020.