The SmartSat wind-up program remains on track as we continue our transition into the future through the Australasian Space Innovation Institute (ASII), with no material risks identified at this time.  

Our primary focus remains the disciplined closure of the CRC, including: 

• Delivery of final projects, milestones and contractual obligations; 
• Completion of reporting, audit and governance requirements; 
• Archiving of records, data and systems; 
• Staff transition and continuity planning; 
• National partner thank-you events across Australia; 
• Consolidation and communication of SmartSat’s impact and legacy; and 
• Structured transfer of capability, people and IP into ASII. 

We are working hard to ensure there is ample opportunity over coming months to reconnect across the country with the many organisations and individuals who have contributed to, collaborated with, or supported SmartSat CRC over its life. 

Transition to ASII 

ASII has been established as part of the planned transition from SmartSat CRC and represents the next chapter in carrying forward the capability, partnerships and momentum created through the CRC. As SmartSat concludes its formal funding term, ASII provides an enduring vehicle to sustain valuable outcomes, continue selected transitioned activities, and translate research excellence into practical national impact. 

As advised to partners in late 2025, ASII was intentionally developed as a core element of SmartSat’s transition strategy to preserve national capability, maintain continuity for partners and projects, and provide responsible stewardship of legacy assets and intellectual property. We are pleased to report that this transition is progressing strongly and in line with plan. 

ASII is an independent, not-for-profit organisation focused on delivering high-impact national programs that apply space-enabled technologies to real-world challenges across sectors such as agriculture, defence, disaster resilience, maritime, environment and advanced industry. Building on the legacy, network and experience of the SmartSat CRC, ASII has been established as a credible and appropriately governed entity to support ongoing project delivery, partner engagement, stewardship of transitioned assets, and future growth opportunities. 

ASII will operate as a national “space-for-Earth” innovation institute, translating research into deployable capabilities, connecting government, industry and researchers as a trusted neutral partner, and building sovereign capability in areas such as Earth Observation, satellite communications and AI-enabled systems. Through this model, ASII is intended to provide continuity where valuable, while creating a longer-term platform for collaboration, commercialisation and mission-driven impact across Australia and the Indo-Pacific. 

Existing partner relationships and ongoing discussions will continue to be valued, and we look forward to working with many of you through ASII in the next phase. Operational readiness activities are progressing well, including: 

• Governance and Board establishment; 
• Operating model and staffing transition; 
• Strategic and business growth planning; 
• Development of initial flagship programs; 
• Government and industry engagement; and
• Diversified revenue and membership pathways. 

We are confident ASII will commence with strong foundations, practical focus and momentum. 

Intellectual Property Transition 

A key part of the legacy transition is the transfer of SmartSat-owned intellectual property and associated residual assets to ASII under a formal transfer arrangement. This is intended to place SmartSat-owned project and centre IP under a single stewarding entity so it can be responsibly managed, protected and, where appropriate, commercialised for ongoing national and industry benefit. 

This approach is designed to: 

• Preserve valuable outcomes generated through CRC investment; 
• Support continuity for partners engaging with legacy technologies and outputs; 
• Enable future licensing, collaboration and commercial pathways; 
• Maintain records, systems and historical materials appropriately; and 
• Ensure enduring impact from SmartSat-developed capabilities. 

Importantly, any existing rights, licences and contractual arrangements granted to participants or project parties under current agreements will continue in accordance with their terms. 

Where your organisation has been involved in relevant projects, we welcome discussions regarding future opportunities arising from those outcomes. 

Looking Forward 

While SmartSat CRC as a formal program is concluding, the legacy it has created is significant. Through ASII, we intend to continue the spirit of collaboration, applied innovation and national impact that has underpinned SmartSat’s success. 

On behalf of the Board, management team and staff, thank you for your partnership, trust and contribution over the life of SmartSat CRC. We look forward to continuing to work with many of you in the years ahead. 

If you have any questions regarding this transition, please contact our Chief Operating Officer and Transition Lead, Andrew Beveridge, at [email protected]