Swinburne’s AIR Hub launches prototyping program for aerospace startups

Swinburne University’s Aerostructures Innovation Research (AIR) Hub is launching AIR Pass to address a critical gap in prototype funding in Australia, especially for the aerospace industry which requires more upfront capital to meet performance and regulatory standards.

AIR Pass will give startups and Small and Mid-size Eenterprises (SMEs) up to $150,000 of prototype support and up to $50,000 of “focus-on-mission” funding over six months, helping them to launch into the international aerospace market. Successful applicants will work with the AIR Hub team to design, build, construct, test, analyse and demonstrate aerospace prototypes to their customers.

The AIR Hub Director, Dr Adriano Di Pietro, says the aerospace industry will go through massive change over the next 10 years.

“Startups, SMEs and venture-backed entities will work together on aerospace challenges where only large multi-nationals used to have a chance, but they need support to do so,” says Dr Di Pietro.

“We’re channeling Australia’s unmatched startup culture, giving applicants with strong and sustainable growth ambitions and a passion for advancing the aviation and aerospace entrepreneurial ecosystem $150,000 of support over six months to design, build, construct, test, analyse and demonstrate prototypes to their customers.

“We’re looking for startups and SMEs who can be the world’s best at the thing that they do; think efficient electric motors or low power radar tech.”

Australia’s aerospace industry is essential for supporting the connectedness of a vast island nation. Startups are already working on new, fast-scaling technology such as uncrewed air systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM). AIR Pass will help accelerate this growth, says AIR Hub. The program is designed for early-stage ventures looking for prototyping and technology support for a demonstration, trial or pilot program with their first or next customer.

“Australia’s tech-rich future economy needs a startup eco-system to be nurtured and matured to help create the next generation expert tech jobs and growth,” says Dr Di Pietro. “AIR Pass is taking the lead for aerospace, right when startups and SMEs need it most—as they face real costs to prove the concept and create a working prototype.”

Swinburne provides access to some of the most highly motivated technical entrepreneurs and specialists in Australia and a support ecosystem that has proven successful. Boeing, Quickstep and other major players and SMEs are already working with AIR Hub on aerospace and aviation projects.

“We hope AIR Pass will discover the next group of startups and SMEs to become champions of the industry, launching the moonshots and missions for further growth and technology benefits for our society and planet,” says Dr Di Pietro.

Applications for the 2022 program are now open.