Adelaide: The rise of an innovative city
Posted 22 November, 2020
Samuel Smith
From space tech to supercars, Adelaide is quickly and quietly building a reputation as an innovative city.
City of churches, birthplace of the frog cake, home of the Mall’s Balls – Adelaide’s been called a lot of things over the years, but world-famous innovation hub? Perhaps not.
Things are changing though, rapidly. With big players like the Australian Space Agency, Lot Fourteen and Brabham Automotive now calling our city home, SA’s innovators are being recognised on a global scale, opening our eyes – and the world’s – to concepts that can be as simple as finding a faster way to do your shopping or as complex as developing artificial intelligence.
The Australian Space Agency
Space technology benefits all Australians.
How, you may ask? Think about GPS, weather forecasts and internet access – these daily conveniences all rely heavily on data from space.
Established in mid-2018, the Australian Space Agency falls under the remit of the Australian Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.
It has a huge range of functions, from authorising satellites and rockets to inspiring and supporting Australians who want to work in the space industry.
Australian Space Agency HQ opening. Image: Australian Space Agency
“The Australian Space Agency’s role is to encourage a sustainable sector; one where the space industry leads investment, while we act as a partner, facilitator, and regulator,” says Anthony Murfett, Deputy Head of the Australian Space Agency.
“We are opening doors for international collaboration with counterparts including NASA and the European Space Agency, ensuring a safe regulating environment for the launch and return of space objects like rockets, and encouraging education and skills development through the inspiration of space.”
The Space Agency operates by the mantra: investing in space is investing in the future. This is embodied in its Moon to Mars Initiative, which will give Australian researchers and businesses the opportunity to support a NASA program.
Australian Space Agency Deputy Head, Anthony Murfett. Image: Australian Space Agency
“We’re partnering with NASA on its inspiring plan to go back to the Moon and travel on to Mars. As part of this, the Australian Government is investing $150 million to fuel the growth of businesses here in Australia so they can succeed in national and international space supply chains, and support NASA on its ambitious campaign,” Mr Murfett says.
“The program is an enormous opportunity for Australia’s space sector and is at the heart of our goal to triple its size to $12 billion to create around 20,000 extra jobs by 2030.”
Currently brewing within the Australian Space Agency and set to open in 2021, the Australian Space Discovery Centre will feature interactive exhibits and a collaboration space. Its aim? To teach the public how space improves life on Earth and inspire the next generation of the space workforce.
An artist’s impression of the Space Discovery Centre. Image: Australian Space Agency
“There will be an exhibition dedicated to activities that support exploration of the Moon and Mars, screenings and live shows, an industry showcase where you’ll be able to engage with space businesses, startups and researchers, and a careers and information hub,” says Mr Murfett.
A National Mission Control Centre is also expected to open in 2021 as part of the Australian Space Discovery Centre.
“Saber Astronautics, an Australian business, has been awarded a $6 million grant to establish a national Mission Control Centre in Adelaide, within the Australian Space Discovery Centre,” Mr Murfett says.
“The Mission Control Centre will be a national facility for small-to-medium enterprises and researchers to control satellite and space missions and accelerate the development of Australian satellite technology.”
An artist’s impression of Mission Control. Image: Australian Space Agency
Brabham Automotive
Believe it or not, 700bhp, mid-engined supercars are being built right here in Adelaide, right now.
The Brabham BT62 is an unrestricted GT track car, described by
Top Gear as “the most track-focused hypercar in the world”.
It boasts a FIA-compliant chassis, sculpted carbon fibre body and world-class aerodynamics that give it up to 1600kg of downforce.
How did such a beast end up being produced in Adelaide?
The Brabham BT62R in Adelaide. Image: Brabham
Brabham Automotive Chief Executive Officer Dan Marks explains.
“Brabham Automotive was formed following the meeting of our capital fund, Fusion Capital (an Adelaide investment fund focusing on advanced manufacturing opportunities) and David Brabham, son of triple Formula One world champion, Sir Jack Brabham,” he says.
“Collectively, we saw an opportunity to harness the capacity and capability that existed within the South Australian automotive industry which had historically serviced GM, Ford and Toyota. We created a business centred around a niche technology-focused product for a global market.”
Today, Brabham Automotive’s headquarters is in Edinburgh Parks – Adelaide was a natural choice for production due to existing supply chains and engineering know-how.
Constructing a Brabham BT62. Image: Brabham
