National Space
Industry Hub

Advancing Australia’s Space, Aerospace, and Defence Sectors to Deliver Global Impact

The National Space Industry Hub is dedicated to empowering Australia’s deep tech innovators to better the world through space, aerospace, and defence.

The Hub provides essential support, mentorship, and a collaborative network that encourages startups working across deep tech to explore applications that extend beyond Earth. The Hub team coaches founders through a proven scaleup method to develop, market, and commercialise their ideas. Our mission is to propel these industries forward, utilising cutting-edge technology to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges and unlock new frontiers.

Powering Growth: Impact of the National Space Industry Hub

The National Space Industry Hub, delivered by Cicada Innovations and supported by the NSW Government, is a launchpad for ambitious innovators looking to make a mark in space, aerospace, or defence. Whether you’re developing breakthrough space tech or pioneering solutions for the skies and beyond, the Hub provides the physical space, resources, mentoring, and connections you need to succeed.

Since it's launch in 2022, the National Space Industry Hub has been a catalyst for growth, supporting 82 pioneering businesses.

$52M+

In Private Capital Raised

$72M+

Revenue Generated

160

Jobs Created

Supporting The Journey From Concept to Commercial Success

The National Space Industry Hub supports innovators wanting to bring their technology to the space, aerospace and defence sector through a range of key initiatives. Each initiative is designed to provide access to defence-specific experts, networks, and tailored support to help navigate the complexities of entering the defence market.

  • Accelerated Market Entry: Fast-track your innovation from concept to deployment with expert guidance and support

  • Strategic Partnerships: Build meaningful connections with key stakeholders and industry leaders

  • Comprehensive Support: Receive tailored coaching, mentorship, and resources at every stage of your startup journey.

  • Technological Advancement: Develop cutting-edge technologies that can be applied to the space, aerospace and defence sectors enhancing your market potential.

Space Foundations

Get a taste for commercialisation

A free, self-paced online course that offers foundational knowledge, case studies, and skills for commercialising space innovations and technologies utilising space tech. 

Start Learning

Air to Space Elevate & Defence Elevate

Validate Your Market Strategy

An intensive two-day workshop to help founders validate their markets, refine their value proposition, and enhance their pitching skills with a focus on space, aerospace, and defence applications.

Through our Elevate programs, you’ll connect with key industry players, explore opportunities for investment, and gain insights into scaling your technology for these high-demand applications.

Air to Space Elevate, Expression of interest 2025

Defence Elevate, Coming Soon

Learn More

Air to Space Fast Start & Defence Fast Start

Accelerate Your Business Trajectory

A six-month coaching program designed to help deep tech startups set and achieve critical growth milestones specific to the space aerospace, and defence sectors.

Through Fast Start, you’ll connect with key industry players, explore opportunities for investment, and gain insights into scaling your technology for these high-demand applications.

You’ll be supported by a dedicated coach - an industry veteran; plus a pool of mentors and experts. You will also have your own workspace at the Space Hub for the duration of the program to work towards those important next milestones.

Applications Now Open:

  • Defence Fast Start

  • Air to Space Fast Start

Find out more

Customer Discovery In Defence

Validate Your Market Fit With Expert Lead Workshops

Unlock Defence Market Opportunities with Cicada Innovations Customer Discovery Course. A four-week interactive program to help deep tech innovators understand and validate defence market needs, and position your technology for dual-use applications. 

Learn more about Customer Discovery

Residency & Incubation

Scale Your Venture and Grow Your Networks

Residency within the National Space Industry Hub where you can build transformative relationships within the space, aerospace, defence sectors and the broader deep tech ecosystem.

The Hub offers purpose-built labs, prototyping facilities, and flexible offices, as well as a tight-knit community of like-minded entrepreneurs, experts, and industry players. Our incubator provides access to a network of potential customers, investors, and partners, helping you integrate your technology into these industries effectively.

If you are interested in becoming a resident of the National Space Industry Hub, get in touch with the team and book a tour.

Find out about residency

Meet The Team

The Space Hub is the first in Australia to offer a comprehensive support system that includes connections into the space, aerospace, and defence ecosystems, hands-on mentorship, and a focus on dual-use capabilities, making it a pivotal gateway for startups and SMEs entering these sectors.

Alex Shapilsky

Head of Space Tech & Head of National Space Industry Hub

Hela Zargouni

Program Manager: Space & Deep Tech

Tim Parsons

National Space Industry Hub
Expert in Residence

Nameeta Bhole

National Space Industry Hub
Expert in Residence

Scott Russell

Expert in Residence - Defence

Meet The Mentors

Jun Qu

Main Sequence Ventures

Michal Weiss

Weiss Lab Consulting

Ian Davis

Epona's Dream

Paul Schlusser

EdgeGroup

Shaun Kenyon

Starbound Space Solutions

Meet Space Hub Residents & Alumni

Who We Support:

Innovators Driving Progress in Space, Aerospace, and Defence

Deep Tech Startups & SMEs working in Space, Aerospace, or Defence
You’re an established startup or SME actively developing products in the space, aerospace and defence sectors. You’ve moved beyond the idea stage and are focused on scaling, forging partnerships, and navigating industry challenges.

Deep Tech Startups in Adjacent Sectors
You operate in fields like advanced manufacturing or energy and see opportunities to adapt your technology for space, aerospace or defence. You’re exploring market expansion and dual-use applications.

Research Teams and Pre-Idea Technical Teams
You’re an academic or R&D team at the early stages of innovation, exploring the commercial potential of your discoveries in space, aerospace and defence sectors. You’re seeking guidance on market entry and commercialisation pathways.

Industry Experts: Ex-Industry and Ex-Gov Founders
You’re an ex-industry or government professional with deep insights into the aerospace and defence ecosystems. You’re looking to partner with technical experts to bring innovative solutions to market, leveraging your industry knowledge.

The National Space Industry Hub is proudly supported by the NSW Government.

Our programs

Learn more

Become a resident

Get in touch with our team

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