EOIs open for funding under iLAuNCH

The iLAuNCH (Innovative Launch, Automation, Novel Materials, Communications and Hypersonics) Trailblazer has made a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) in its second round of projects, with a cutoff date of November 20.

ILAuNCH is a $180 million, four-year program dedicated to commercialising university research through partnerships with industry. It was awarded $50 million in funding over four years in May 2022 from the federal government, with a further $130 million pledged from industry partners, including Hypersonix Launch Systems, Electro Optic Systems, Motherson and Northrop Grumman.

“We have already brought together a powerful consortium of industry and research partners focusing on developing advanced technologies for space and aerospace manufacturing applications, including associated manufacturing supply chains,” said Executive Director Darin Lovett in a statement on Monday.

“iLAuNCH commercialisation projects aim to elevate the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of research projects to commercial-ready applications, foster pathways to market, and ultimately propel Australia’s space and aerospace industries to profitability.”

Commercialisation projects must be led by an industry partner and link with one of three partner universities: University of Southern Queensland, The Australian National University, or the University of South Australia.

Industry partners must invest a minimum of $300,000 (cash and/or in-kind), with every $1 of industry funding matched with $0.50 iLAuNCH and $0.50 university partner support.

Projects must also align with one of seven core project areas, including additive manufacturing, hypersonics and flight diagnostics, and rocket launch.

More application information is available here.

Picture: supplied

Further reading

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