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.

The UAV Challenge was co-founded and is co-organised by CSIRO’s Data61 and QUT. Without the constant support of CSIRO, the UAV Challenge would not be the success it is today.

Data61 is Australia’s digital innovation powerhouse. The world is changing, fast. We are in the throes of shifting to a new economic structure, an evidence-based world, where data underpins our decision making. In the past two years more data was produced globally than in all of history. The volume continues to grow exponentially, resulting in massive economic and societal disruption.

At Data61, we are creating our data-driven future. By combining the expertise of the CSIRO Digital Productivity and NICTA teams, we are building the world’s leading data-focused research and innovation powerhouse. A CSIRO entity, Data61 provides a network of capabilities, addressing key growth areas for a data-focused world including: Autonomous systems, Computer vision, Data analytics, Digital economy, Machine learning, Mobile systems, Optimisation, Software systems, Wireless and networks.

l-r Dr Anthony Lynham – Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, QUT Student Ambassador David Crofts, QUT Professor Jonathan Roberts – Professor in Robotics and Filippo Capurso, First Year Mechatronics student. (Picture: Patrick Hamilton)

The UAV Challenge organisers are very grateful for the support of the Queensland Government. The Queensland Government’s Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation and Defence Industries Queensland, within the Department of State Development, support Queensland-based innovation. The government is helping Queensland maintain its position as a major hub for aviation and aerospace activity, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

Recognising the importance of UAS development for both military and commercial use, the Queensland Government has played a prominent role in developing UAS research in Australia. It has done so through its support of the Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation, the Australian Association for Unmanned Systems (formerly the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems Australia), the Smart Skies initiative and Project ResQu.

The Queensland Government has also proudly supported the UAV Challenge since its inception.

The UAV Challenge organisers are very grateful for the Platinum sponsorship of Insitu Pacific. Insitu Pacific is an industry-leading provider of Unmanned Systems solutions including Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) to Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Insitu Pacific provides a comprehensive set of unmanned systems, services and data products to ensure our customers achieve the tailored information solution they require.

Established in 2009 as a division of Insitu Inc. to service the needs of defence and commercial customers across the Asia-Pacific region, we are a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company. We have the expert unmanned systems knowledge and skills required to support our customers in commercial, civil and defence markets across the region. We offer fully tailored solutions across the unmanned systems and information delivery spectrum from hardware sales and through-life support to full service packages to provide the decision making information our customers require.

The UAV Challenge organisers are very grateful for the Platinum sponsorship of Northrop Grumman. Northrop Grumman is proud to once again sponsor the UAV Challenge. As a leading producer of unmanned systems, Northrop Grumman supports multiple education initiatives designed to create interest and opportunities for students from around the world to learn more about engineering, science and math that makes these technologies possible.

The UAV Challenge organisers are very grateful for the Platinum sponsorship of Lockheed Martin Australia. Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. Lockheed Martin Australia & New Zealand Chief Executive, Raydon Gates, said the event provides Australian students with a real-world opportunity to explore the possibilities of where a STEM career could lead them.

“Our future success as an advanced technology innovator depends on the constant supply of highly trained, highly motivated and highly capable technical talent. By supporting events like the UAV Challenge we are helping to inspire the next generation to pursue STEM careers by showing today’s students how exciting and rewarding these jobs can be,” Mr Gates said.

The UAV Challenge organisers are very grateful for the Gold sponsorship of Boeing Research & Technology – Australia (BR&T-Australia). BR&T-Australia was established in March 2008 to provide a centralised research and development (R&D) organisation for Boeing’s in-country businesses and serve as a focal point for collaboration with Australian R&D organisations, including universities and private sector R&D providers, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group. BR&T-Australia brings the best of Boeing technology to business pursuits in Australia by reducing technical risks on current programs and providing innovative technologies that enable the development of future aerospace solutions while improving the cycle time, cost, quality and performance of current aerospace systems.

The UAV Challenge organisers are very grateful for the Silver sponsorship of Little Ripper Lifesaver. Little Ripper Lifesaver is a ground breaking high tech initiative utilising military grade, single rotor, unmanned aerial helicopters for search and rescue (SAR). The Little Ripper UAVs carry electro optic and infrared cameras, and can drop ULB Life Saving Pods to people in distress. Integrated into the commercial communication networks, they will be able to transmit lifesaving data in real time right across Australia.

The UAV Challenge organisers are very grateful for the Silver sponsorship of MathWorks. MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of technical computing, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualisation, and numeric computation. Simulink is a graphical environment for simulation and Model-Based Design of multidomain dynamic and embedded systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these product families to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, electronics, financial services, biotech-pharmaceutical, and other industries. MathWorks products are also fundamental teaching and research tools in the world’s universities and learning institutions. Founded in 1984, MathWorks employs more than 3000 people in 15 countries, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, USA.

The UAV Challenge organisers are very grateful for the Silver sponsorship of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). CASA provides a world class safety regulatory environment for civil air operations in Australia and the operation of Australian aircraft overseas. CASA’s challenge is to enhance and promote aviation safety through effective safety regulation and by encouraging industry to deliver high standards of safety. As part of this function CASA provides comprehensive safety education and training programs, cooperates with other government agencies and the industry, and administers certain features of Part IVA of the Civil Aviation (Carriers’ Liability) Act 1959.