@AuManufacturing Conversations

@AuManufacturing Conversations with Brent Balinski is a regular interview program, bringing you discussions with the men and women who are contributing to a critical part of the economy -- one that leads private sector R&D investment, employs well over a million Australians, and is just plain important to have around, as we’ve all been reminded in recent years. We hope to capture something of the variety to manufacturing, its place in the nation, its changing nature, and some of the personalities within it. From the boutique to the billion dollar, if it's manufacturing and it's Australian, then it likely matters to us. This podcast is an extension of the @AuManufacturing news and analysis website and the community around it, and aims to complement what's written online at www.aumanufacturing.com.au.

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@AuManufacturing Conversations

Episode 87 -- Matt Hill from Hypersonix

March 02, 2024 • @AuManufacturing • Season 3 • Episode 9

Welcome to this special episode of @AuManufacturing Conversations with Brent Balinski, one which we're running as part of our quest to identify Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers.

The 50 Most Innovative is an annual campaign by @AuManufacturing. This time around it has been made possible through the generous support of MYOB, CSIRO, the NSW government’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility, and the Commonwealth Bank.

In this episode Matt Hill, CEO of Hypersonix Launch Systems, tells us about the four-year-old company’s progress in its mission to “fly to space” in reusable scramjet-powered craft, innovation in terms of doing more with less, the planned maiden launch of its Dart AE late-this year, and more.

Episode guide

0:58 – Career background. Joined Hypersonix in 2022 as CFO.

3:02 – Origins of the company at The University of Queensland.

4:02 – Likely to pass 40 employees by EOFY. Spread of the team across Sydney and Ipswich.

5:05 – Types of craft under development.

7:12 – Have the “fly to space” plans been put on hold due to interest from the defence sector?

9:38 – The challenges being addressed through HyCat.

11:55 – The likelihood of Hypersonix remaining an Australian company.

12:50 – Definition of innovation.

14:39 – On working with universities such as UQ and University of Southern Queensland. “A model that’s very important to deep tech.”

17:26 – Getting good staff, upskilling them, and keeping them, and how you could encourage this.

Further reading

Hypersonix's website
Hypersonix signs US agreement, could supply up to 20 DART AE platforms to Kratos
Hypersonix awarded first major contract
Hypersonix to “get our first ride from Rocket Lab”
Hypersonix and SoMAC CRC aim for high temperature materials
High-temperature composite scramjet arrives at Hypersonix
Hypersonix places order with Amiga, says additive engineering will disrupt cost of scramjets

Do you think you belong on @AuManufacturing’s list of Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers? Apply to be recognised in this exclusive group here.

People on this episode

Brent Balinski

Host