The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has opened its latest state-of-the-art research facility.

The purpose-built, A$65 million UTS Tech Lab facility is spread across 9,000 square metres on a site in the industrial suburb of Botany, which neighbours Sydney Airport  in close proximity to a major new technology and innovation.

UTS said the facility will focus on trans-disciplinary research with a view to providing new services to industry, with capabilities including civil and environmental engineering, mechanical and mechatronic engineering, software, electrical and data engineering, systems, management and leadership.

“Over coming decades, Australian business and industry will be transformed – as will the Australian workforce,’ said UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor Attila Brungs. “It’s critical that universities work hand-in-hand with industry to ensure we capitalise on the opportunities – and address the challenges – this presents; facilities like Tech Lab will allow us to do that.”

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Tech Lab will cater to a broad sweep of companies, including startups. “It will continue to build on Australia’s research strengths and bring industry and academia together to deliver the most technologically advanced products and services. This will provide impact for our partners and jobs for our students and the wider community,” said Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT), Professor Ian Burnett.

Tech Lab will offer R&D projects, consultancy, contract work and short courses. It is equipped with state-of-the-art capabilities that include:

·        electromagnetic informatics and antenna chamber
·        data analytics, networking and communications
·        photonics and optical sensing
·        full-scale structural dynamics facilities
·        material testing and characterisation
·        geotechnical lab
·        acoustics laboratories, including anechoic chambers
·        electrical power and energy lab