Sky's the limit for UQ space-tech startup after joining ilab Accelerator program.
A team of UQ students and alumni are on a mission to launch Australia into space by building a scalable and zero-emissions rocket engine that doesn’t cost the Earth – all with the help of 3D printing.
The startup is called Herik Labs, and the seeds were sown last year when UQ Master of Philosophy student Toby van den Herik was brainstorming rocket-engine designs for his undergraduate thesis in aerospace engineering.
He realised that an existing engine design used by NASA could be varied in key ways to make it easier to scale and use hydrogen – a sustainable fuel that’s up to 25 per cent more efficient than current rocket fuels used for commercial launch.
“Rockets powered by hydrogen and oxygen can produce zero emissions, and the design I came up with works best with hydrogen,” Herik said.
“This is convenient because there’s a lot of grants at the moment for hydrogen, advanced manufacturing and space, so the idea ticks all the boxes.”
Herik quickly realised the potential of his idea but knew he couldn’t develop it alone.
He invited his long-time friend and collaborator, UQ alum Jason Storey (Bachelor of Engineering (Extended Electrical) / Bachelor of Science (Computing) ’21) to join the project as Chief Operating Officer. Fellow engineering students Simone Wilson (Aerospace Engineering) and Isaiah Stook (Mechatronics) rounded out the team as Chief Executive Officer and joint Chief Financial Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, respectively.
While the small satellite industry is booming in Australia and around the world, Wilson said significant challenges exist around sustainability, accessibility, and scalability.
Read the full story at UQ Contact Magazine
Herik Labs is currently participating in the 2023 Ventures ilab Accelerator program and will get the chance to pitch their idea at the ilab Accelerator Pitch Night, 23 March 2023. Make sure to save the date!
