Issues
  • #1 - Jul Aug SepBold New Frontier
  • #2 - Oct Nov DecVirtual Reality
  • #3 - Jan Feb MarGrowth State
  • #4 - Jun Jul AugExperience SA
  • #5 - Nov, Dec, JanNation Leading Innovation
Contents


BIG DATA

BIG DATA CREATES BIG RESULTS


MIT’s big data laboratory at Lot Fourteen is closer than ever to yielding results that will help grow the state’s economy

 

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) big data Living Lab, based at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide, is just a few months away from its goal of using data generated from the everyday lives of South Australians and visitors to SA to help grow the state’s economy. The process is a clever collaboration between MIT, principal partner BankSA, Optus, DSpark and the State Government. “MIT is a fantastic partner to work with as they are a leading university in the world, a global leader in data science,” Nick Reade, chief executive of BankSA, says.

 

With several MIT labs already operating around the world, Adelaide has not had to reinvent the wheel but can immediately take advantage of the powerful data tools MIT has produced elsewhere. The corporate partners in the project are providing their own expertise, as well as bank and telco customer data, all carefully washed of individuals’ personal details. Similar data from the State Government has been added to the mix. “We’ve got aggregated data, there’s no personalised information, no individual data,” Reade says. 

 

The amassed information is nonetheless very rich and is revealing useful trends and themes through several concurrent projects the lab has on the go. The group is using the data to burrow down into the true economic value of boosting mobility through transport networks. “MIT has done an enormous amount of work around the world looking at what is the benefit of getting people mobile,” Reade says. “We are looking at what’s the economic benefit of doing that, in a state growth sense. 

 

“We typically go, there’s a social benefit of public transport, the jobs benefit of building that road, but we don’t usually articulate what happens if we get Mr and Mrs Smith from Port Adelaide from A to B – does that create other economic value, does it create jobs?”

 

An outcome of this deeper investigation might be using the information to help franchisees make better decisions about the best location to open their next business. Using data from interstate visitors may also lead to lengthening tourists’ visits to SA, delivering a very direct economic benefit. “People might be coming to SA for the Fringe, we can see it from plane rides booked and tickets reserved,” Reade says. “We can go, ‘What can we do to capture this opportunity, market ourselves differently, provide more incentives for a side trip?’.

 

“We have a number of projects we are working on and we are quite excited by the potential. We are pretty close to having more ideas than we have the capacity to do, but that’s a good problem to have. There’s lots of interest.

 

“We’ve got a job to land these things and get them out into the right hands. We are trying to add value.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


SPACE

THE RIGHT SPACE TO GROW


South Australia’s burgeoning space sector is creating job opportunities for today and the tomorrows to come

 

The coming of both the Australian Space Agency (ASA) and the Defence and Space Landing Pad to Lot Fourteen, in Adelaide’s CBD, is propelling a constellation of new employment opportunities for this generation and the next. The ASA opened shop in Adelaide early this year, beginning work almost immediately on setting up the Australian Space Discovery Centre (ASDC) and Mission Control Centre, to be co-located with the agency at its North Terrace site. While new jobs are already being created during construction, it is the information and inspiration to be displayed inside the new facilities that will pave the way to new careers now and into the future.

At the heart of the ASDC, to open in 2021, will be a Careers Information Hub, complete with interactive screens that allow the curious to drill down into emerging space industry careers. Anyone will be able to use the Hub, with career information organised around the seven national civil space priority areas (see side bar) identified by the Australian Government for the development of the industry.

 

One such priority area is Earth observation or viewing our planet from space, and South Australia is already the home to several new satellite design and launch companies, with more local start-ups and international companies regularly knocking on our doors. What the Hub will make plain is that it is not just data scientists or software manufacturers who might score jobs with these companies. Technicians, with skills in precision machining, and electronics, to name a few, will be needed to make the satellites and their component parts. Each of the seven priority areas will be broken down into potential careers in this way.

 

Richard Price, chief executive officer of Defence SA and the South Australian Space Industry Centre, which established the Defence and Space Landing Pad, says the misconception about who will work in the hi-tech companies coming to SA is one the industry must conquer.

 

The Landing Pad attracts international companies to SA, by providing a supportive, well-connected base from which to develop and link with existing companies in the defence and space ecosystem. “It’s all about making it easy to come and set up your business in SA,” Price says, with 10 entities now under its guidance, all with the potential to grow and provide new opportunities. 

 

In a campaign called Find Your Place, Defence SA is raising awareness about the jobs likely to be on offer. “From software engineers, cyber security, logistics, planners, schedulers, human resources, marketing and sales, there’s every conceivable type of career in these industries,” Price says.

 

Seven of the world’s top 10 defence industry companies have a presence in SA, creating a strong and growing concentration of economic growth and job creation for the future. Find Your Place has been up and running for four months, implemented across social media, highlighting career opportunities and education and training pathways available in the state.

 

“It’s a broad awakening program, addressing people at TAFE or university, to open their eyes to the jobs they can apply their education to,” Price says. “But it also talks to 14-15-year-olds, who really haven’t imagined yet what it is they want to do. There are high technology careers open to you today in the state and it’s exciting stuff, and these are well-paid jobs.”

 

Back at the ASA, it is hoped that as the ASDC and Mission Control Centre come online next year, more and more people will be able to learn that space is not the sole domain of astronauts and astrophysicists. Both TAFE and university qualifications will be relevant for many jobs, proving you don’t need to be 18, male and doing a mechanical engineering degree, to find a pathway into the industry. People of all genders and ages can be inspired by the centre’s Careers Information Hub, Space Gallery and special viewing area, where they can occasionally watch the work happening inside the Mission Control Centre monitoring all those new satellites, supervising launches and dreaming of the stars.

 

THE SEVEN NATIONAL CIVIL SPACE PRIORITY AREAS

 

Position, navigation and timing is critical for many areas of the Australian economy, including agriculture and mining. 

 

Earth observation has untapped potential to grow Australia’s economy, for example, by improving agricultural monitoring, water management, and monitoring shipping routes.  Communications technologies and services: Australia can play a lead role in emerging technologies such as lasers for data communication, quantum technologies for secure communication and hybrid radio and optical communications. 

 

Space situational awareness and debris monitoring help avoid damaging and even fatal collisions in space. Australia’s geographical position makes it an ideal location for space debris tracking and space traffic management activities. 

 

Leapfrog R&D: Australia can encourage and support research that inspires, identify areas to develop and commercialise R&D that would grow and transform our space sector. Areas of opportunity include new rocket technology, new hi-tech materials, space medicine, synthetic biology, quantum communications, in-orbit servicing, and optical wireless communication technologies.

 

Robotics and automation on Earth and in space: Australia is a world leader in remote asset management in industries including mining, oil and gas, transport, agriculture and fisheries. Australia can leverage its expertise in robotics technology and systems for remote operation and exploration in space. 

 

Access to space: There are emerging opportunities for Australia to leverage international space missions and commercial launch activities from Australian territory. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TENANTS OF THE LANDING PAD

 

  • Adexflow International: a software company specialising in information management that designs, distributes and integrates software applications.
  • LGM: a French engineering services company specialising in customer support and specialised engineering services, with clients including aviation giants Naval Group, Airbus, BAE Systems, Thales, Safran and Alstom.

  • SpaceSpecialists Ltd: offers consultancy, recruitment and training and talks for the space sector worldwide.

  • Cognitive Companions: company transformation project specialists.

  • Squad Australia: a subsidiary of French cyber defence group Squad, it aims to become a leader of cyber security in Australia

  • SE4 Space: (arriving in November): SE4 is a new kind of “software for robotics” company, specialising in remote robotics using VR, enabling remote operation at vast distances, including space, underground or underwater.

  • BV Maritime: a world-leading classification society and offshore verification body, with engineers and technologists dedicated to ship and offshore safety and efficiency.

  • Naval Group Pacific: represents international Naval Group’s activities for all products and services including surface ships, systems, combat systems and through-life cycle services, outside the Attack Class submarine program.

  • Saber Astronautics: mission operations software specialists from concept, development and testing through to long-term operation and even deployment of large constellations of space assets.

  • Gravity Challenge: a global technology innovation program for corporates, entrepreneurs and universities to design and build solutions to real industry, social and environmental problems using space data and capability.


LIKE NO OTHER PLACE

7 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCES TO HAVE AT LEAST ONCE

 

Is there anything better than a brilliant travel experience? One that makes your heart race, your camera shutter go wild or your adrenaline shoot right up? And while we often think of overseas destinations as the places to experience some of the world’s best sights, sounds and tastes, there’s a lot to explore in our own backyard.

 

These should be at the top of your list of things to try with breathtaking beaches, electrifying experiences and seriously good wine, there’s something for everyone in South Australia. Below, we’ve rounded up seven of our favourite experiences to have in the southernmost state this coming summer. 

 

See the bush from the air

One of the most luxurious ways to travel is via helicopter, that much is true. Experience the famed Chace Range from the sky in a dedicated helicopter flight with Helistar, before setting up for the night in a luxury camp. In the morning, your dedicated pilot will collect you. How’s that for a romantic experience? 

 

Be transported underwater

No, it’s not Tulum or Portugal, it’s Kilsby Sinkhole outside of Mount Gambier. Serene and otherworldly, this famous dive site is worth a visit. One of the country’s best dive locations, the limestone-buffed sinkhole boasts gorgeous crystal clear waters and pristine visibility. Whether you’re up for a dive or just want to taste the local gin, there’s something for everyone. 

 

Experience Coffin Bay

If sweeping white sand beaches and tasting fresh oysters straight from the rock sounds like your idea of heaven, then a tour of Coffin Bay is a must. Take a private boat tour to really soak up the serenity and explore everything from oyster farms to seals lazing on the rocks. If you’re lucky enough to spot dolphins while at sea, well, congratulations. Get set, relax. 

 

 


 

TASTE WINE FROM THE BEST

You might have spotted the famous d'Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale on Instagram before, but it’s high time to visit for yourself. Located overlooking the rolling hills of Willunga, the architecturally stunning building provides design buffs and wine connoisseurs plenty to stay busy with. From wine tasting to devouring the region’s best produce, the d'Arenberg Cube proves an ample opportunity to soak up (and drink!) the best of the much-loved wine region. 

 

Eat with a view

Hentley Farm Cellar Door and Restaurant is one for the foodies. Nestled in the hills of the Barossa, Hentley Farm is a food and a wine experience worth having. Sip on local wines and snack on the region's best produce, it's a must-do experience that combines the culinary powers of the state with incredible views. 

 

Stay on Kangaroo Island

One of Australia’s most beautiful natural locations, Kangaroo Island has bounced back from recent bushfires and is ready for visitors. For those looking for the ultimate in luxury, One KI is the island’s best private luxury beachfront accommodation, mixing sustainable architecture with gorgeous design. Located right on the beach, a stay at One KI includes gourmet meals made with local produce and the chance to interact with some of the state’s most intriguing wildlife, including (you guessed it!) kangaroos, dolphins and echidnas. For a getaway that’ll have you wishing you never booked a return flight, this is the place to stay. 

 

Swimming with dolphins and sea lions

One of life’s greatest joys - swimming with dolphins - is made possible in South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. Spectacularly beautiful, this natural wonder is home to thousands of friendly bottlenose dolphins and Australian sea lions. At Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience, you can swim with them both, immersing yourself in the stunning natural environment and enjoying a playful experience with these smart and interesting mammals.