Australia Launches Second Round of Emerging Technology Program

The Australian Government has launched the second round of its Emerging Aviation Technology Partnership (EATP) program which is aimed at encouraging the adoption of emerging aviation technologies, such as eVTOLs, drones, and new propulsion systems.

The program is targeted at addressing community needs, particularly in regional Australia. The government seeks to partner with industry leaders on developing and deploying emerging aviation technology and in research to enable such technology. The program is aimed at Australian and international operators planning local investment and growing the Australian market, with the government hoping to gain real-world experience and a means to test the regulatory framework under development.

In the second of two EATP rounds, AUD$12.3 million (USD$8.2 million) of funding is available. The EATP is based on an open and competitive grant process, with entries closing on July 27, 2023.

The first round of funding, awarded late last year, saw 12 companies secure funding. These included Australian eVTOL developer AMSL Aero with a project to trial its Vertiia eVTOL for air ambulance operations in regional New South Wales. Other successful applicants included Praxis Labs, which is developing a structural solar surface for the wings of electric aircraft, and XROTOR for trials of a new reduced noise, more efficient aircraft propeller.

Numerous drone projects were also successful in round one, including Swoop Aero for a large-scale drone logistics network for pathology and medical services; Charles Darwin University for a drone delivery system between health centers and remote indigenous communities; and Swinburne University of Technology for a hydrogen fuel cell for drones.

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