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Ten NSW space start-up companies will be launched into an intensive bootcamp learning experience in the US with financial support provided by the NSW government.
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Applications are now open until 7 August for 10 companies to apply to attend the "Austrade Landing Pad" bootcamp program in San Francisco, with the NSW government covering flight and accommodation costs of up to $10,000 per company.
The bootcamp, will be held over five days from 27 August, will introduce early stage NSW businesses to the highly developed San Francisco space industry ecosystem.
Australia’s first astronaut and NSW space industry ambassador, Dr Paul Scully-Power, said government support of the bootcamp program was one of a number of key initiatives to help the space economy thrive.
"NSW is home to 41 per cent of Australian space businesses, and is an Australian leader in the space industry. This is a fantastic opportunity for our best start-ups to learn from world leaders in space in the United States," Dr Scully-Power said.
The purpose of this program is to introduce early stage NSW businesses to the highly developed San Francisco space industry and start-up ecosystem. The program will include mentoring and business development from established US start-ups, networking and partnership opportunities, guidance on doing business in the US and an overview of the funding environment.
Participants will be invited to visit space industry start-ups and more established companies, as well as take part in tours of major incubators, accelerators and research institutions in the Bay Area.
Successful participants will also enjoy access to WeWork facilities for the length of the program, and be invited to attend community fireside chats and networking events with other members of the Australian start-up community in San Francisco.
Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for a place on this program, applicants must be:
- A registered business with an Australian Business Number (ABN), registered in NSW;
- Working in the operation or manufacturing of space technology or utilising space-derived data;
- Operating as a for-profit organisation and solvent;
- A business whose activities demonstrate a net benefit to Australia;
- A business operating in the best interest of Australia;
- Committed to maintaining appropriate business ethics and legal obligations in Australia and overseas;
- Able to obtain a visa or visa waiver for the US (including having a valid passport); and
- Able to acquire travel insurance before flights are purchased.
Applicants must also:
- Not source their contribution funding from any other NSW government program;
- Not currently be involved in any litigation or impending litigation; and
- Be able to secure a visa, or visa waiver, before departure on 26 August 2018.
Dr Scully-Power said, "We are working to build an aerospace and defence industries precinct in the western Sydney Aerotropolis, a NSW aerospace industry development strategy is being developed, and we have the nation’s biggest start-up industry and the new Sydney Startup Hub."
More information on the Austrade Landing Pad bootcamp program is available here.
