Australia’s capabilities in digital technologies for the maritime industry are set to be boosted with the establishment of a Joint Institute by Navantia Australia and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), announced by both organisations today.The Joint Institute is part of UTS and will promote academic and future workforce engagement in commercial projects with Navantia Australia. Internships, PhD and graduate employment opportunities will also be offered to UTS students, increasing opportunities within the Australian Defence Industry labour market.
Navantia Australia’s Managing Director Israel Lozano said: “We are excited to be partnering with UTS. The alignment with core pillars of both UTS and Navantia Australia strategy means that there is a natural synergy for both organisations.”
“The research and development focus of the Institute will bring together UTS and Navantia Australia’s research expertise, as well as engineering and IT solutions development capability, to provide an innovative approach that will deliver impact for Australia.”
Vice-Chancellor of UTS, Professor Andrew Parfitt, said: “UTS prides itself on our ability to engage with industry and generate real world solutions to commercial problems. Our partnership with Navantia is a fantastic opportunity for our students and academics to engage with a major maritime engineering company in the heart of our campus and contribute to Australia’s sovereign capability in the maritime sector.”
The Institute will promote activities that will provide world-class and commercially relevant research and development (R&D) outcomes and intellectual property to Navantia Australia. It will involve building relationships with the Australian Defence sector, Navantia Australia’s commercial partners (e.g. Australian suppliers) and securing research grants.
Digital technology for the naval industry will be showcased at UTS’s Ultimo campus, in the heart of Sydney’s innovation precinct, Tech Central, in a visitor space.
NSW Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said the initiative is another example of how the Tech Central precinct is supporting NSW to be at the forefront of innovation and preparing our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.
“Partnerships like these add to the diverse breadth of knowledge, skills and innovation already housed within Tech Central, helping turn the state’s incredible R&D strength into tangible outcomes that deliver new jobs and expand the NSW economy,” Mr Ayres said.
“The defence and aerospace sector across NSW is critical to our economic strength and our world-leading universities and research institutions play a large role in helping grow the industry and jobs through their innovative ideas and technologies.”
Navantia Australia R&D has pledged to initially fund the Institute, with future funding expected from commercial projects involving Navantia Australia, Defence and relevant Australian government grants. The Institute will be governed through a Steering Committee and under the direction of a salaried Director.
About University of Technology Sydney
UTS is a leading university of technology located in the heart of Sydney’s innovation precinct. With more than 40,000 students, UTS has a distinct model of learning, strong research performance and a leading reputation for industry and professional engagement. Underpinned by social impact and a continuing commitment to sustainability, UTS is rated the No.1 ‘young’ university in Australia in the QS and Times Higher Education rankings.
About Navantia Australia
Navantia Australia designs, integrates and supports naval maritime platforms and systems for the Royal Australian Navy. We are recognised as a Design Authority by the Commonwealth of Australia for the Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Docks (LHD) and Landing Craft, Hobart Class Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG) and Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) Ships. At Navantia Australia, we are committed to growing our local workforce and links to the Australian Supply Chain to best support the growth of a truly Australian naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry.