Cicada Partners with Cross-U to Enhance Australia/Japan Collaboration
Cross-U and Cicada Innovations signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration between the commercial space ecosystems in Japan and Australia. This strategic collaboration is expected to play a pivotal role in unlocking new opportunities for international space players in Australia and Japan.
This agreement facilitates the establishment of a reciprocal landing pad for space startups, fostering innovation and partnership opportunities between the two nations.
The MoU builds on the flourishing relationship between Japan and Australia in the space industry, exemplified by a Japanese space delegation's second attendance at the Andy Thomas Space Foundation’s Australian Space Forum in Sydney this year.
There is a strong foundation of government-to-government collaboration underpinned by the Australian Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) signed on 7 July 2020. The MOU builds upon this by enabling greater commercial collaboration between the countries’ growing commercial space sectors.
The Australian space sector has been increasing its focus on international engagement and cooperation, with initiatives such as the ISI India Grant Program, the signing of the Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) with the United States, and securing the world’s largest space conference, the International Astronautical Congress 2025 in Sydney.
Katie Knight, CEO Investment NSW, said: “In the rapidly evolving commercial space sector, it’s exciting to see Cicada Innovations leading the way in building international partnerships, including through the NSW Government- supported National Space Industry Hub, to help attract more startups to set up in NSW and make their mark on the industry. By collaborating globally, companies are able to gain access to a wealth of resources, including advanced technologies, robust supply chains, and a more diverse customer base.”
Japan is increasingly looking to entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and corporations to support the development of the country’s space sector. This month, the Japanese Government announced the establishment of a ¥1 trillion fund (AUD$10.2 billion) through JAXA, to accelerate the development of the country’s space industry.
As part of the collaboration, both Cicada Innovations and Cross-U will provide mutual access to physical space, cutting-edge facilities, and essential infrastructure. Importantly, the initiative aims to strengthen connections within the local space community and facilitate access to each organisation's extensive network.
Cross-U stands at the forefront of space industry collaboration in Japan and is supported by Mitsui Fudosan, and with over 200 members, including industry giants such as Toyota, Fujifilm, and Mitsubishi, as well as leading Japanese space organisations like JAXA, ispace, and Astroscale.
Cicada Innovations is home to the National Space Industry Hub, whose mission is to create a vibrant and globally competitive Australian space industry, through commercialisation programs, mentoring, resources, networks, connections, and a physical space. So far, it has supported more than 200 space entrepreneurs and 25 start-ups.
The Cross-U landing pad is the third such MOU concluded by the National Space Industry Hub and Cicada Innovations, other MOUs are with mach33.aero (Bangalore, India), and Aerospace Valley (Toulouse, France).
The MOU is off to a strong start with two National Space Industry Hub members travelling to Tokyo to attend the Nihonbashi Space Week 2023, and utilising the MoU to receive support from the Cross-U team.
Sally-Ann Williams, CEO of Cicada Innovations said: “To harness the strategic opportunity of the commercial space sector, companies must develop strong international relationships. Partnering with Cross-U will help startups in both countries make valuable and trusted connections with industry, customers and supply chains to bring their bold ambitions to life.”
