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The prime has launched a new initiative in conjunction with the Queensland government, in a bid to identify emerging prospects in the aerospace industry.
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Boeing Australia has launched a new initiative as part of its HorizonX program, aimed at discovering local start-ups with technologies capable of advancing aerospace capability.
The three-year initiative, launched with the support of the Queensland government, is expected to primarily focus on:
- Advanced robotics;
- Space;
- Industry 4.0 techniques;
- Sustainability; and
- Autonomous systems.
"The depth and breadth of talent and innovation in Australia is one of the many reasons we’ve decided to launch this collaboration in Queensland,” Brian Schettler, Boeing HorizonX senior managing director, said.
"It highlights the great partnership between Boeing and Australia, and how we want to help each other grow and cultivate the innovation ecosystem."
Boeing has committed to provide eligible start-ups with direct engagement, mentoring, further technical and business evaluation, and the prospect of future investment.
Boeing aims to identify 10 Queensland start-ups in the first year of the program, before offering the incentives nationally.
Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said the initiative was part of the Queensland government’s investment in new aerospace capability, announced in October 2020, which he said could pave the way for the state’s production of Boeing’s Loyal Wingman.
“The state is delighted to partner again with Boeing to launch the first ever Queensland government and HorizonX collaboration,” Minister Dick said.
“HorizonX builds on Boeing’s long-standing presence in Queensland, and our government’s recent investment in the Boeing Airpower Teaming System.
“We expect the Defence Aerospace Advanced Manufacturing project could generate up to $1 billion for the Queensland economy over 10 years, with more than just Queensland’s manufacturing and defence industries to benefit.”
He added: “This collaboration also presents a significant opportunity for start-ups, and we’re eager to attract the best local innovators to be part of the Boeing project, help grow our economy, and create new jobs.”
At present, approximately 1,700 Boeing employees are based in Queensland along with 400 suppliers who support the prime.
“The Australian aerospace and defence industry's ability to leverage the creative concepts from the local start-up community will support increasing sovereign capability and export potential in our country,” Brendan Nelson, president of Boeing Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific, said.
“We’re enthusiastic about uncovering the fresh-thinking and innovative technologies Queenslanders can bring to support our current and future Australian defence programs.”
[Related: Boeing Defence Australia, Northrop Grumman to deliver Joint Data Network Program interface]
Charbel Kadib
News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media
Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.
