Swinburne University in Melbourne announced this week that it has appointed a Founder In Residence to help market ideas and technology in sustainable aviation.
Dovetail Electric Aviation Business Operations Manager Rachael Barritt will work alongside Swinburne's top researchers to develop new ideas and ventures that can have a real-world impact in aviation and aerospace.
The Founder In Residence scheme brings experienced entrepreneurs into Swinburne to help with commercialising technology supported by Swinburne’s facilities, capabilities and research.
The program will drive market-led venture creation across three key research areas: space and aerospace technology, innovative planet and medical technology. The program will create new ventures of mutual benefit to entrepreneurs and researchers, fast-tracking technological advancements and developing robust market-ready solutions.
Barritt will work closely with the team from Swinburne’s Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub), using the hub’s capabilities in intelligent manufacturing processes, advanced composite materials, advanced air operations, and sustainable fuels.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dovetail Electric Aviation and Rachael Barritt to Swinburne," said Dr Werner van der Merwe, Vice President, Innovation and Enterprise at Swinburne University of Technology.
"By connecting experienced entrepreneurs and leading researchers, we are accelerating the commercialisation of new technology to put Australia at the forefront of global innovation. Together, we are paving the way for a sustainable future for air travel.”
Barritt said she believed that her new role would help the aviation industry move to a more sustainable future.
"As a Founder In Residence at Swinburne, I am excited to be working at the forefront of aerospace technology," she said. "This program represents the future of innovation.
"Working with leading experts from industry and academia, we will help translate cutting-edge research into sustainable, real-world solutions for the aviation industry.”
Dovetail Electric Aviation is a Sydney-based joint venture created by Dante International and Sydney Aviation Holdings.