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QinetiQ Australia has officially opened its latest Army MakerSpace location at Simpson Barracks, expanding the company’s partnership with the Australian Army and its innovation priorities.
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The location at Simpson Barracks, Victoria, is the company’s ninth location since the program’s launch in July 2021 and will provide Army personnel, from all ranks and trades, with the tools, training, and mindset necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving battlespace.
QinetiQ’s program plays a central role in the company’s commitment to supporting the Army in meeting future operational challenges through innovative thinking and advanced technical skills.
Jasmine Kastaniotis, MakerSpace and innovation program manager at QinetiQ Australia, said, “The Army’s MakerSpace initiative is designed to enhance soldiers’ cognitive abilities through creativity and non-traditional ways of thinking. By providing access to cutting-edge technology and innovative training, we are helping to develop highly agile military personnel capable of solving the complex challenges of modern warfare.”
The new MakerSpace at Simpson Barracks is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including CNC laser cutters, 3D printers, CAD work areas, and electronics workstations, with these facilities to enable Army personnel to engage in hands-on learning, design thinking, and agile project management, all while fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving.
“QinetiQ’s close collaboration with the Army’s Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office (RICO) has been instrumental in understanding the Army’s objectives and delivering innovative engineering spaces that support the Army’s Future Ready Land Force priorities,” Kastaniotis said.
The company’s close collaboration with RICO has been instrumental in understanding the Army’s objectives and delivering innovative engineering spaces that support the Army’s Future Ready Land Force priorities.
Expanding on these comments, Lieutenant Colonel Alex Palmer, emerging technology manager at RICO, said, “We welcome the expansion of the MakerSpace program with the opening of the ninth site at Simpson Barracks. This initiative plays a crucial role in preparing our soldiers to face the challenges of modern warfare by fostering innovation and enhancing their technical skills. With access to these cutting-edge facilities, our personnel are better equipped to think creatively, solve complex problems, and stay ahead of emerging threats.”
This new site at Simpson Barracks is another step forward in this ongoing partnership, ensuring that Army personnel are equipped with the technical and creative skills needed to anticipate and overcome future challenges.
More information about the QinetiQ’s MakerSpace program is available here. QinetiQ is an integrated global defence and security company focused on mission-led innovation.
