Partner with GBDTC

Creating commercial innovation from complexity

We welcome and actively seek out partnerships with industry and governments so that our research solves real problems – now and into the future. Our thriving research culture, renowned industry focus and transparent approach means we are sought out by all kinds of organisations looking for innovative, cost-effective and technologically-advanced solutions. 

Here are just a few of the many ways we’re partnering with industry to push the boundaries of possibility. 

Advanced technology for trusted supply chain

Food fraud and quality breach are serious threats to the Australian export industry, with current technologies ill-equipped to tackle the problem. Our researchers are working with industry to develop next generation Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain technologies that enable real-time tracking and monitoring, from production plants through export supply chains to overseas markets. These advanced technologies support verifiable provenance and trusted traceability every step of the way, combatting counterfeits and substitutes to protect our international reputation.

Image and video analysis applications for farming

Continuous, hands-free and non-contact animal measurement and monitoring is a game changer for livestock producers. Our researchers are developing a low-cost, lightweight, portable and scalable individual animal management system using image/video technology alone to automatically detect and track individuals, estimate body weights and analyse animal activities. By assisting with grazing management, supplementary feeding, monitoring health and identifying market-ready stocks, this flexible and infrastructure-independent system supports increased production, greater efficiency, more uniform supply, reduced costs, simpler management and more profit. 

Superfast wireless communications for future 5G and beyond

Terabits per second (Tbit) communications are critical technologies for the future beyond 5G mobile communications networks. Drawing on our track record in global technology leadership and delivering solutions to Australian industry, we are currently researching and developing signal processing and mm-wave/THz techniques for Tbit wireless communications systems. As the next milestone, it is expected that we will achieve data rates of 200Gbps in the next few years, with transformational impact on the wireless industry. 

A giant leap in 3D glass printing

A joint collaboration between researchers in our interdisciplinary Photonics Laboratories (iPL) and the National Fibre Facility has delivered the world’s first silica glass fibres drawn from 3D printed preforms. The project overcame complex challenges using a novel combination of materials and extended particle integration, and has led to a flurry of new industry collaborations and global research activity. The pioneering fibres offer significant potential to disrupt the field of photonics – a key element in advancing the internet of things.

Powering the fundamentals of our cellular networks

Base station antennas are fundamental in the provision of cellular (3G/4G/5G) mobile coverage. With tens of thousands relied upon Australia-wide by telecommunications providers, the technical performance of these assets is crucial. Working with long-term industry partner Tongyu Communication Australia Pty Ltd, our researchers developed an optimised, commercialised dual-polarised dual-band 3G/4G base station antenna array delivering superior performance at a relatively low cost. The team is now working on advanced 4G/5G base stations to power Australia’s 5G network deployment. 

And so much more…

Right across GBDTC’s many specialised labs, our people are behind some of the world’s most transformative research partnerships. Learn more about our research