UNSW Canberra Launch
A new innovation precinct in the nation's capital
UNSW Canberra City is a state-of-the-art precinct in Canberra’s CBD, enhancing the city’s reputation as Australia’s knowledge capital. We are committed to bringing together the best minds to tackle our biggest challenges. Our approach fosters collaboration among industry, start-ups, government, students, and researchers, leading to ground-breaking discoveries and industry-leading innovations. Join us in shaping the future of innovation in Canberra, Australia and beyond.
Launch currently has two locations – Northbourne and Canberra City – both of which have curated and nurtured more than a dozen start-ups, SMEs and UNSW spin-offs, primarily in cyber and space, to develop and scale their innovations and build sovereign capability.
This dynamic environment is a testament to the passion and dedication of our collaborators who believe that true partnership isn’t just a proposition, it’s an initiative we’re rolling out.
The importance of innovation
UNSW Canberra has identified innovation as one of the most significant sources of sustainable competitive advantage in the current landscape. A shift that opened the door for a dedicated innovation space which allows academics, businesses, government and the ACT community to come together and build on advancements in defence and security capabilities, talent and technology.
Launch on Northbourne is attracting Australian businesses that are integral to the future of Australia’s security. It’s a precursor to the University’s planned Defence and Security Innovation Precinct at the new UNSW Canberra City. Currently providing start-ups, enterprises, associations, academics and alumni with countless opportunities for collaboration, in an innovative, secure and social environment.
The UNSW Defence Research Institute
Delivering word-class defence research to enhance Australia’s security.
The UNSW Defence Research Institute (UNSW DRI) was established to stimulate, unify and support all defence-related research within the UNSW community, while striving to build and maintain a network across Australian and International defence industries.
UNSW DRI is committed to advancing defence capabilities using broad-based defence research with excellence in areas such as cyber security, space, systems engineering, logistics, trusted autonomous systems, hypersonics, defence-related public sector management and conflict studies.
Cultivating effective UNSW industry networks
In an industry first for Australia, UNSW Canberra invites defence and security industry start-ups and entrepreneurs to join us in a new innovation ecosystem. Launch will offer opportunities to share infrastructure and ideas, to socialise and network with complementary entities and individuals, and to pool resources.
UNSW industry partners enjoy early access to new research, technology and talent, benefiting from our established networks, technical infrastructure and experience in collaboration and innovation.
Formerly isolated industries and communities are now moving towards more collaborative spaces in urban areas, better facilitating cross-sector innovation, research and problem-solving.
The backbone of innovation districts is the ability to tap into a network of innovators, researchers, thought leaders and existing commercial expertise. Launch on Northbourne builds on a successful base of established activity, talent and infrastructure, maintained by UNSW Canberra at ADFA and the greater UNSW network.
Operations at Launch on Northbourne model the future Launch precinct which will form part of the new UNSW Canberra City.
A new UNSW Precinct for Canberra
Building off the foundations set by UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), the Canberra City precinct is open in Reid, expanding into Parkes by 2028. The precinct enhances the University offerings, creating a world class environment within the National Triangle. Academic excellence, social engagement and global impact are at the core of UNSWs strategy.
The precinct environment provides a sense of place and price in UNSW. Students, staff, alumni, members of the local community, and Industry partners from the Defence and security community will come together to innovate, transform, learn and contribute to society.