Joint institute unveils brand to support Maritime Industry

In May 2022, Navantia Australia and the University of Technology Rapido Institute joined forces to establish a collaborative institute dedicated to digital technologies for the maritime sector. On Wednesday, November 8, at the Indo Pacific 2023 International Maritime Exposition, these two organizations officially unveiled the Marintec brand and shared insights on the significant milestones achieved in the past year. 

Since its inception, Maritime Institute of Technology - Marintec has made substantial strides in the development of digital technologies tailored to the maritime industry. The institute has actively engaged with industry partners to expedite the integration of digital solutions, encompassing artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and automation. Furthermore, they have been in close dialogue with key stakeholders in the maritime sector to identify and address the challenges confronting the industry. 

Marintec's collaborative research and development (R&D) initiatives are primarily geared toward delivering advanced technologies that hold significant benefits for the Royal Australian Navy and the broader maritime industry. Navantia Australia's financial commitment will be channelled into various areas of joint research and development, with a strong focus on advanced software engineering, digital user experience (UX) expertise, game design, and artificial intelligence (AI).  

Marintec is also actively progressing toward the establishment of a collaborative doctoral degree and mobility agreement with universities in Spain and Australia, enabling students to commence their PhD programs. The research outcomes from this academic endeavour are expected to directly support and enhance the institute's research and development activities. Additionally, Marintec is in the early stages of exploring the creation of micro-credentials related to ship control systems, in partnership with UTS Enterprise and the teaching and learning teams from the Faculty of Engineering and IT. 

Currently, efforts are underway to complete the setup of a purpose-built facility that will serve as the home for Marintec. This facility is strategically located in the heart of Sydney's Tech Central, situated on UTS's campus. Its proximity to the UTS Faculty of Engineering and IT, the Robotics Institute, and the Rapido R&D team and prototyping facility will promote close collaboration between industry and academia. This strategic positioning will allow Marintec to leverage the expertise and resources available within the precinct, fostering innovation within the marine technology sector. The facility is slated to commence operations in January 2024 and will accommodate a team of 20 researchers. 

Marintec has already taken concrete steps by offering the first round of internships and graduate employment opportunities to UTS students in collaboration with Navantia Australia. This initiative reflects Marintec's commitment to nurturing talent within the Australian Defence Industry labour market, providing tangible benefits to both students and the defence industry. 

The core research focus of Marintec remains centred on the development of cutting-edge marine technologies. The research conducted within this facility is poised to bolster the capabilities of the Australian Defence Industry and contribute significantly to the nation's sovereign defence capabilities. The launch of Marintec represents a momentous commitment from Navantia Australia and UTS to drive innovation within the maritime industry through digital means. This institute will persist in its collaborations with industry partners and stakeholders to pioneer cutting-edge digital technologies that have the potential to revolutionize the maritime sector. 

Transcript

Marintec – the Maritime Institute of Technology (trademark pending) is an industry-led joint research institute established by Navantia Australia and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).