Innovatia

International collaborations are also solidify- ing in this growing innovation ecosystem. The potential of leveraging the geographic position and vast hinterland of the Northern Territory has caught the eye of international research institu- tions such as NASA and Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. In July 2022, three NASA rockets successfully launched from Arn- hem Space Centre in the Northern Territory. The launch marking the start of Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) as a multi-user commercial Space Launch company, providing world-class launch services flown to and from all space orbits. Singapore-based space-tech company, Aliena, aims to provide high-resolution data to terrestri- al businesses by enabling a fleet of imaging sat- ellites to fly closer to the Earth using proprietary electric propulsion engines. Through relation- ships with the Darwin Innovation Hub, Aliena will provide datasets specific to the Northern Territory, which can be used for advanced crop monitoring for smart farms, fire detection for dis- aster mitigation and hazard response, and other security and defence sector applications. The fundamental key to realising these commercial opportunities lies in applying relevant technol- ogy to our North’s rich industrial sectors, which are ideally placed to host key infrastructure and services for the global space industry. Typically, regional locations such as the North- ern Territory are not thought of as hubs of inno- vation or venture capital investment due to small populations, lack of deal flow and distance from key financial centres. The solution lies in careful examination of inherent strengths, finding the right investment and subsequent effective nur- turance: first the deal, then the enterprise. Based on our first six years, I believe in the

next 25 years the Northern Territory will expand upon its position as one of the fastest growing innovation ecosystems in the world. There are three main factors contributing to the durability of this growth. The continued leverage of the Territory’s mas-

vations across Australia and around the world that can be applied to the rich in- dustries found in the Northern Territo- ry. By expanding its vision, the Northern Territory will be able to tap into an un- limited global deal flow.

dation establishment of appropriate invest- ment opportunities. It is the combination of geographic position, land, enterprise, labour and capital that will drive economic growth in the Northern Territo- ry, and the abundant natural resources and high

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sive land and geographical advantages as a sand box for global entrepreneurship and innovation, comprising test beds and demonstration sites for tech developers. 1. The aggressive pursual of the best inno-

2. The need to raise private capital to both establish such projects and entice the tal- ent, bringing valuable labour and business operations to the Northern Territory. Such capital will be available given correct foun-

industrial output per capita that will provide the fuel for this growth. Harley Paroulakis , CEO – Paspalis Group of Companies and Darwin Innovation Hub

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