The UAV Challenge was co-founded and is co-organised by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and CSIRO’s Data61. QUT has been with the UAV Challenge from the very beginning and the event’s success is in part due to the constant support of QUT.

QUT is a leading Australian university with a global reputation, based on real-world learning experiences and high-impact research. QUT graduates are among the most employable in Australia and include six Rhodes Scholars (three in the past four years).

With more than 44,000 students, QUT was ranked as Australia’s top university under 50 years old in the 2013 Times Higher Education Top 100 Under 50 rankings. QUT teachers consistently dominate national academic teaching grants and awards and helped earn QUT a global five-star rating in the 2013 QS Stars university ratings. QUT’s strong research reputation is characterised by links with industry, professions and the community, with 85 per cent of QUT’s research effort ranked world standard or above (Australian Government 2012 ERA). About 20 per cent of students are studying at postgraduate level, and 16 per cent come from overseas. Our staff and students have access to latest technology and new, world-class facilities and infrastructure.

The Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation (ARCAA) is a world leading QUT research centre based in Brisbane, Australia and is a co-organiser of the UAV Challenge. ARCAA conducts research into all aspects of aviation automation, developing systems and technologies to safely integrate unmanned aircraft into non-segregated air space while addressing societal, regulatory, technical and education impediment facing routine civilian operations of unmanned airborne systems.