Space – WA Innovation Calendar

METS Space Cluster [online]

This Cluster brings together professionals from Space/ METS and Mining to connect, share knowledge and insights and identify pathways for future collaboration.

Join us on Tuesday 2 June 2026 for the next Cluster meeting. Featuring presentations from CSIRO and OQ Technology, the session will examine next-generation remote operations capability, direct-to-device satellite communications and the growing convergence between mining, space, automation and digital connectivity.

Attendees will gain insights into how these technologies can improve operational visibility, worker safety, connectivity and productivity across remote and regional mining environments.

DEADLINE: AEA Innovate Grant Round 3

Innovate grants support mid-stage research commercialisation through competitive grants of up to $5 million for a maximum period of 24 months.

These grants are available for researchers at Australian universities to collaborate with industry to advance projects that already have laboratory proof-of-concept.

Grant recipients are expected to be able to increase the technology and commercial readiness of their innovation to reach proof-of-scale. This includes developing and testing prototypes or pilots for new products, processes or software in an industry-relevant environment.

DEADLINE: CSIRO Technical Facilities Manager – SKA-Low Telescope

The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is a next-generation radio astronomy facility that will transform our understanding of the Universe and fundamental physics. In Australia, SKAO is partnering with CSIRO to construct and operate the SKA-Low telescope on Wajarri Yamaji Country in remote Western Australia, supported by teams in Geraldton and Perth.

The Technical Facilities Manager plays a key role in ensuring the reliable operation of the SKA-Low telescope’s specialised infrastructure across the newly constructed Central Processing Facility (CPF), Remote Processing Facilities (RPF), and Central Power Station (CPS). These facilities house the core signal‑processing, control, monitoring and support systems for SKA‑Low. They contain major equipment including the power, cooling and other infrastructure needed to run the processing systems. The role will support handover of the facilities for operational readiness and into ongoing operations.

In this role, you will lead a skilled buildings team, including electricians and HVAC Technicians while planning and overseeing maintenance across critical infrastructure including high and low voltage electrical systems, advanced cooling systems for data processing equipment, HVAC, fire detection and suppression systems, and facility assets. Working closely with contractors and in-house trades, you will coordinate and supervise maintenance activities to ensure work is delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest technical and operational standards.

Your work will directly support the performance and uptime of the infrastructure that underpins the world’s largest low-frequency radio astronomy observatory.

DEADLINE: AusSRC HPC Funding Applications Close

The Australian SKA Regional Centre (AusSRC) is proud to launch the Astronomy Resources for Industry Applications (ARIA) Program, a new initiative designed to accelerate innovation through access to high-performance computing (HPC).
AusSRC is Australia’s contribution to the international SKA Regional Centre Network (SRCNet). The SRCNet will support the global flow of data and processing needed for the SKA telescopes – the two most advanced radio telescopes in the world, located in Australia and South Africa.
One of AusSRC’s goals is to support discovery and delivery of impact beyond radio astronomy. By working with industry to foster data-intensive innovations across sectors, AusSRC aims to leverage astronomy capabilities to generate broad benefits to the Australian economy and community.

The ARIA Program has been established to provide Australian start-ups and small to medium businesses with access to HPC resources to enable innovation in products and services aligned with key technical priorities.

For the 2026 inaugural funding round, AusSRC will support projects focused on:

Data Management
Data Visualisation
Data Compression

We are seeking applications from SMEs and start-ups that would benefit from HPC capability but face barriers accessing research-based or large-scale infrastructure schemes.

Applications are open to organisations from any industry excluding astronomy that can demonstrate how covering HPC-related expenses would directly enable innovation in one or more of the priority areas.

For a full explanation of the ARIA Program, please refer to the ARIA Program Guidelines and ARIA Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

DEADLINE: International Space Investment India Projects Round 2

These projects will support Australian organisations to conduct joint space projects and build valuable commercial links with the Indian Space Research Organisation and the broader Indian space sector.

A grant of up to $2.69 million is available for Australian companies and publicly funded research organisations who wish to work with Indian organisations to deliver collaborative projects to advance the space industry.

The grant amount will be up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs.

Learn more about the grant opportunity here

DEADLINE: Spaceport Establishment Support Grant

Administered by the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification, the Grant will support the scaleup and expansion of spaceport businesses in the State, increasing local space industry capability development and fostering a vibrant and sustainable space ecosystem in WA.

A spaceport is a site equipped for launching, receiving, testing, or maintaining spacecraft and rockets.

The WA Government’s co-investment will support site assessments required for planning and regulatory approvals, including securing a lease for a proposed spaceport site, and/or the development of a business case for the proposed spaceport site.

Applicants may apply for up to $1.75 million in funding to support the establishment of a space launch facility in WA, with a minimum grant application value of $200,000. The funding may be awarded to one applicant or split to support multiple applicants.

Applicants are also required to provide matched funding of at least 1:1 against the WA Government funding request.

METS Space Cluster

Join Austmine and AROSE for the next meeting of the METS Space Cluster
Tuesday 17 Feb 2026 | 1pm – 2pm AEDT

This Cluster brings together professionals from Space/ METS and Mining to connect, share knowledge and insights and identify pathways for future collaboration.

Western Australian Space Science Education Centre – Tour of Facilities

West Tech Fest delegates are offered an exclusive opportunity to tour the newly established WASSEC facilities.

WASSEC is dedicated to engaging participants in immersive learning experiences related to space science, STEM and cybersecurity. The centre features a simulated Mars surface, Mission Control, STEM labs and dedicated cybersecurity spaces

Connecting Quantum Researchers in WA

Join representatives and quantum researchers from UWA, ECU, Murdoch and Curtin University to learn more about Quantum Australia.

About Quantum Australia

Quantum Australia are the National Centre for quantum industry growth. Their mission is to foster the journey from being quantum-curious to becoming quantum advocates, driving transformative change in the adoption of quantum technologies and positioning Australia at the forefront of the global quantum landscape.

CORE Innovation Hub Meetup

CORE Innovation Hub builds ecosystems and innovation infrastructure for the resources and energy sector.

CORE Innovation Hub has successfully established the first of its kind, national ecosystem for suppliers, researchers, entrepreneurs and industry to connect and collaborate on innovative solutions across the mining, resources, energy, defence and space sectors.