FAQ

The Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program was established by the Federal Government in 1990 to improve the effectiveness of Australia’s research effort through bringing together researchers in the public and private sectors with the end users. The CRC Program links researchers with industry and government with a focus towards research application. The close interaction between researchers and the end users is the defining characteristic of the Program. Moreover, it allows end users to help plan the direction of the research as well as to monitor its progress.  Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) grants support medium to long term industry led collaborations.  

In April 2019, it was announced that the SmartSat CRC was successful in receiving Federal Government Funding to the value of $55 million through the Department of Industry, Science & Technology’s CRC program.  

In addition, over 100 national and international partners have invested over $190 million, bringing together a $245 million research effort over seven years.

While there is no standard contribution for any individual partner, we anticipate that contributions would be in the range of $100,000 to $1 Million per annum. The final amount will depend on the individual partner and the amount of benefit they expect to derive from the CRC. StartUps are encouraged to join Aurora Space StartUp Cluster, established by SmartSat.

SmartSat has established a separate company, the Aurora Space Cluster, to represent space start-ups and enable them to participate as a collective Core Partner.

Incorporated with its own Board of Directors, Aurora will provide benefits to its members via initiatives such as:

• Mentoring by industry executives, and support for start-up managers to gain valuable board experience by participating on the board of an incorporated entity;
• Opportunities to sit on SmartSat’s Industry Advisory Boards;
• Education, training and networking events
• Opportunities to participate in, and inform, SmartSat projects and activities.

For further information about joining Aurora, please contact:
Dr Tim Parsons
Chair, Aurora StartUp Cluster
+61 417 463 972
[email protected]

The higher degree program aims to deliver up to 73 industry-ready PhD and Masters by Research graduates.  The program includes industry placement and mentoring programs and career management training 

If you are interested please go to Education – Study with Us

The SmartSat Education and Training college has developed an overall strategy across the full skills pipeline from STEM education activities in schools, to undergraduate internships, PhD scholarships and professional development training for industry partners.  If you are interested please go to Education – Study with Us.

Career information can also be found at the Australian Space Discovery Centre.

The CRC has partnerships with many universities in Australia and overseas. Please email [email protected] to discuss your needs and we will do our best to find you the right candidate for your project.