As Myriota vice president of commercial operations, Nicole Russo, prepares to board a flight to Barcelona for an international technology conference, her agenda is clear: strengthen existing partnerships and forge new ones. The business is just one of a number of local space-related companies whose ties to industry and public sector partners are taking their operations into the stratosphere.
Russo’s mission reflects the ethos of Myriota, an Australian satellite communications company pioneering Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity solutions. Specialising in low-cost, low-power devices that transmit data via nanosatellites, partnerships are at the core of its success.
Its collaborations with government agencies shows how public-private partnerships can address critical challenges. One standout project involves smart water metering for regional councils.
“We worked with the government in conjunction with private partners such as Taggle, who deliver smart water meters. “The goal was to remotely monitor meter readings without relying on manual data collection. This reduces human error and operational costs, while improving efficiency,” says Russo.
Another initiative highlights Myriota’s role in agricultural safety. Partnering with a food and agricultural development organisation, the company demonstrated how IoT sensors could prevent haystack fires, a persistent risk in rural Australia.
“Haystacks can ignite spontaneously in extreme heat, endangering lives and equipment. We use deployed sensors to monitor temperature and humidity, transmitting near real-time alerts. It proved how our technology can mitigate risks through innovation,” she says.
These projects underscore Myriota’s considered approach to partnerships. “It’s not just about handing over technology,” Russo emphasises. “We invest time to understand our partners’ challenges. Whether it’s water management or fire prevention, we meet agencies where they need support, technically, logistically and strategically.”
Myriota’s government engagements often involve layered partnerships. For instance, integrating with Taggle’s smart meters required aligning Myriota’s satellite modules with existing infrastructure.
“Our engineers worked alongside theirs to ensure seamless connectivity. We tested units in labs and real-world environments, verifying reliability before deployment,” says Russo.
Such collaborations demand flexibility. “Government projects can have longer timelines and stricter compliance needs. We adapt by involving stakeholders early, conducting rigorous testing, and prioritising transparency,” says Russo.
This meticulousness has cemented trust, enabling Myriota to expand its public-sector footprint across Australia and overseas.
Myriota’s commercial alliances are equally vital. Take Gasbot, a Brisbane-based start-up monitoring gas tanks in remote areas.
“They needed connectivity beyond cellular coverage. We integrated our modules into their devices, enabling deployment in South America and rural Australia. Their technical team was skilled, but we provided antenna design insights and certification support,” Russo recalls.
Similarly, Myriota partnered with Grundfos, a global pump manufacturer, to prevent livestock water shortages. “Their pumps supply farms, but failures can leave cattle without water. Using our edge devices, they added remote monitoring without redesigning entire systems. It’s about delivering incremental value while laying groundwork for deeper integration,” says Russo.
What distinguishes Myriota’s approach is its emphasis on relationship-building. “We spend months understanding partners’ capabilities. Do they need technical help? Business model guidance? Market access? This due diligence informs tailored support, from engineering reviews to co-marketing campaigns,” says Russo.
For international partners, Myriota leverages its global teams to ease expansion. “If a company wants to enter Brazil, our local experts connect them with interested clients. It’s not transactional, it’s about growing together,” says Russo.
As Russo prepares to meet European partners in Barcelona, her vision for Myriota remains rooted in collaboration. “Whether it’s government or commercial, success hinges on aligning goals and investing in mutual growth,” she says. “Our technology is transformative, but it’s the human element including trust, communication and adaptability that turns potential into impact.”
Led by the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) in partnership with the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of South Australia (UniSA), this federally-funded initiative is propelling Australia’s sovereign space capabilities with its mandate to commercialise cutting-edge research, nurture skilled workforces and establish critical infrastructure.
At the heart of iLAuNCH’s success lies its partnership with the Australian Space Agency (ASA), which shapes the program’s strategic direction through its seat on the advisory board.
“The ASA ensures our initiatives align with Australia’s civil space strategy, amplifying national priorities like sovereign launch capabilities and advanced manufacturing,” explains Kavanna Trewavas, iLAuNCH’sMarketing, Events and Communications Coordinator.
Many of iLAuNCH’s 25 active projects build on earlier ASA-supported research, creating a seamless pipeline from concept to commercialisation.
iLAuNCH’s portfolio spans additive manufacturing, hypersonics,materials processing, rocket launch systems and satellite communications, with projects designed to fast-track Australian intellectual property to global markets. Industry partners forecast $3.65 billion in economic benefits from these ventures.
Among the program’s flagship initiatives is the development of a Mobile Missions Operations Centre in collaboration with CSIRO, which will be based in regional Queensland, designed to rapidly deploy and support mission operations across Australia. Beyond launch support, it can be used for student outreach, research, and stakeholder engagement.
One of iLAuNCH’s projects aims to advance complete lifecycle digital twinning for novel repairs to composite materials of aerospace structures. Developed in partnership with aerospace manufacturers, these techniques promise to reduce costs and enhance performance over vehicle lifecycles that span decades.
Similarly, iLAuNCH-backed projects in satellite communications aim to deploy low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations optimised for improving connectivity in remote regions optimised for Australia’s vast geography.
Recognising technological leaps demand skilled talent, iLAuNCH has prioritised education as a pillar of its mission. The program is pioneering a Space Engineering Degree, developed in consultation with industry leaders, to produce job-ready graduates fluent in both theory and practical application.
As iLAuNCH approaches its third year, its vision extends beyond individual projects. The program seeks to establish Australia as a global leader in niche space technologies, leveraging the nation’s strengths in mining, materials, and remote operations.
“Our goal is to create an enduring capability. That means sustaining an entire supply chain from raw materials to orbital deployment,” says Trewavas.
Critical to this ambition is the fusion of research and commercial acumen. “When a materials scientist can walk down the hall to discuss a problem with a rocket engineer, breakthroughs happen faster,” says Trewavas.
https://collaborate.partica.online/collaborate/vol-2-ed-1-2025/flipbook/44/