QIC Ventures has joined leading global defence investors to raise A$46 million for Brisbane-based Hypersonix Launch Systems (HLS) to accelerate the development of its hydrogen-powered hypersonic aircraft and engines.
The Series A round was led by UK national security and frontier technology investor High Tor Capital, supported by European investors alongside QIC and the Australian Government’s National Reconstruction Fund Corporation.
From its manufacturing facility in Carole Park, Hypersonix is building reusable scramjet engines and 3D-printed hypersonic platforms that can travel at more than six times the speed of sound, with its world-first SPARTAN scramjet engine already securing major defence development contracts from the United States.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the funding would create more than 50 local jobs in the next three years while accelerating Hypersonix’s global partnerships with the likes of NASA.
“This investment, backed by the Crisafulli Government, means more high-tech jobs, helping Queenslanders build better lifestyles through a stronger economy, and more advanced manufacturing in a state that is well and truly open for business,” the Minister said.
“The Crisafulli Government is proud to back the Queenslanders with the ideas, the skills, and the determination to turn breakthrough research into world-class companies.”
QIC Ventures Partner Nicholas Guest said Hypersonix represents a rare opportunity to back a local company at the forefront of globally significant hypersonic technology.
“Investing in Hypersonix is an investment in Queensland as a base for world-leading aerospace innovation,” Mr Guest said.
“Building on a proud history of University of Queensland research, Hypersonix to taking the lead in technology critical to our allies’ sovereign capabilities and cementing Queensland’s place at the forefront of the global hypersonics race
Nicholas Guest - QIC Ventures Partner
“This is breakthrough technology allowing Australia and its allies to fly faster, further and more often with an unmatched combination of speed, sustainability and cost advantage.
“The Hypersonix team is proving Queensland tech can hold its own on the world stage, reflected by the calibre of global investors joining QIC in this funding round.”
Hypersonix CEO Matt Hill said the funding would accelerate Hypersonix’s mission to deliver operationally useful platforms that align with both national and allied priorities.
“This funding marks an important milestone as Hypersonix transitions to securing highly experienced, defence-focused investors who can assist with scaling our global footprint,” Mr Hill said.
“Queensland is an epicentre for the talent we need to succeed, so there’s nowhere better to be building a high-growth company solving complex technical challenges.
“Only five years into its journey, Hypersonix is contributing to next-generation hypersonic capability across two AUKUS nations, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support of our investors and their confidence in our mission.”
Unlike conventional scramjets powered by kerosene, SPARTAN uses hydrogen, producing zero CO₂ emissions and offering a reusable, low-maintenance solution for a range of high-speed defence and aerospace missions.
The technology was developed by Dr Michael Smart, co-founder of Hypersonix, former Chair of Hypersonic Propulsion at the University of Queensland and former NASA research scientist.
Hypersonix is preparing to flight-test its 3D-printed, hydrogen-powered hypersonic scramjet engine on a test vehicle in partnership with the US Department of Defense early next year.
QIC Ventures’ investment in Hypersonix follows its backing of Gilmour Space Technologies, reflecting Queensland’s growing reputation as a hub for next-generation aerospace.
Together, these investments are building a sovereign capability and advanced manufacturing ecosystem that positions the state at the forefront of the global space and hypersonics industries.
For more information, visit Hypersonix Launch Systems.
Image: Hypersonix Launch Systems
