Media release

Startups shoot for the stars in Future Technology Program Space Cohort

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 8 June 2023

 KPMG Australia and Stone & Chalk today unveiled the Australian space startups selected for the Future Technology Program Space Cohort. This collaborative initiative, which champions breakthrough Australian startups, continues to nurture innovation, accelerate growth and drive economic benefits in the national technology sector.

The selected startups will receive complimentary residency for 12 months at one of Stone & Chalk’s startup hubs as well as guidance and support from a diverse array of mentors and industry experts who will facilitate client introductions and industry conversations. Additionally, each Future Technology Program recipient will gain a KPMG mentor tailored to their business, assisting the space startups in their efforts to validate, test, learn, and explore genuine opportunities for growth.

Sarah Vega, National Managing Partner, KPMG Futures said: “With global venture capital in space start-ups having almost tripled since 2019 and the Australian space industry projected to reach AUD $12b by 2030, the sector was a clear choice for the second round of the Future Technology Program.”

“We started this program in the belief that there were many unsung Australian startups with world-changing ideas who deserved more support, and this space cohort selection process has proven that we were correct. From Earth observation solutions to dynamic, wireless energy distribution, the potential of these companies is limitless. We’re thrilled to be supporting these hugely exciting ventures with the second iteration of this program and look forward to seeing what we can help them achieve,” she added. 

Michael Bromley, Stone & Chalk Group CEO said:

"The Future Technology Program's second cohort of startups demonstrates the incredible potential for emerging technologies, in this instance space technology, to shape our future. The Stone & Chalk Group is eager to help facilitate the progress of these space startups by providing the ecosystem required for emerging technology companies to innovate, disrupt, and drive economic growth here in Australia."

Underlining KPMG's and the Stone & Chalk Group's commitment to the local startup ecosystem, the Future Technology Program continues to unlock the potential of Australian innovation, pushing the boundaries of traditional industry sectors and creating substantial value for the Australian economy. 

The startups selected for the Future Tech Program Space Cohort are:

  • Arlula is an Earth Observation (EO) data management platform, enabling users across various industries to seamlessly access, procure and manage EO data.
  • Aquila is creating the internet of energy. The company’s goal is to build and operate an infinitely scalable energy network by using photovoltaics and directed light beams to transmit energy safely and effectively at scale.
  • Nominal Systems has developed a unique digital twinning architecture that blends state-of-the-art simulation with the latest in Internet-of-Things, Cloud and Gaming technologies to redefine the way complex systems are designed, tested and operated. 
  • Ozius Biome brings deep knowledge of the natural environment to commercially accessible earth observation analytics. The company uses data from space, fused with on-ground intelligence to provide a comprehensive three-dimensional overview of the environment to unlock opportunity and knowledge about natural assets. 
  • Spiral Blue’s Space Edge computing technology uses cutting edge machine learning technology and hardware to improve affordability, lead times, and accessibility for Earth Observation (EO) data. 

William Jeremijenko, Co-founder & CEO of Aquila, said:

"We're ecstatic to be part of The Future Technology Program. As a future-focused startup whose technology has the potential to electrify both the space sector and the world, KPMG's networks, resources and support will help supercharge us in our mission of powering the future.”

For more information about the Future Technology Program, visit the Stone & Chalk website here

ENDS

About Stone & Chalk

Stone & Chalk Group is the largest innovation community in Australia. We support startups, scaleups, corporations and governments, at every stage of their innovation journey. We foster a community of founders, mentors, experts, corporates, partners, and collaborators to help entrepreneurs and businesses build, grow, and commercialise ideas. Ensuring they have everything they need to adapt and thrive in an age of technological disruption.

For more information, visit www.stoneandchalk.com.au 

About KPMG International

KPMG is a global organisation of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organization or to one or more member firms collectively.

KPMG firms operate in 143 countries and territories with more than 265,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.

KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients. For more detail about our structure, please visit kpmg.com/governance.

©2023 KPMG Australia, a partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organisation.

Media contacts:

For KPMG: 

Ash Pritchard, 0411 020 680, apritchard2@kpmg.com.au

For Stone & Chalk: 

Olivia Grandjean-Thomsen, 0402 136 788, olivia@austcyber.com 

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