Sydney: A Global Hub of Innovation in Science and Engineering

Photo credit: Scientia Professor of AI at UNSW Sydney, Toby Walsh

Always on the cusp of innovation, Sydney is a city where new ideas and collaboration thrive. The stunning harbour city’s iconic landmarks and multicultural urban scene provide an exciting backdrop to a dynamic interplay of industry, government and academia, all working together to create change on a global scale. Industry leaders and startups happily coexist and collaborate, making Sydney a vortex of talent and game-changing ideas.

Sydney’s flourishing science and engineering sector illustrates this culture of co-creation. A friendly culture of collaboration is helping to foster breakthroughs in disciplines ranging from quantum computing and artificial intelligence to biomedical engineering and environmental sustainability.

The interdisciplinary approaches of the world’s science and engineering communities are essential for creating a resilient, sustainable future, enabling society to adapt and thrive amid evolving global challenges. 

And Sydney is meeting these challenges head-on, with world-class science and engineering minds making their mark on the world stage.

From quantum computing to robotics: Sydney punches above its weight

Science and engineering play critical roles in addressing the challenges of our time, with a focus on innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving. Through these fields, the world develops sustainable technologies, improves healthcare, tackles climate change and ensures food security. 

Much of Australia’s contribution to global advancements is happening in Sydney. This beautiful city is home to two of the top 20 universities in the world (2024 Quacquarelli Symonds rankings), the University of Sydney (USYD) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), and many research institutions and startups.

Government support is critical to ensure Sydney’s full potential is realised. The NSW Government has created a 20-year R&D Roadmap developed by the Office of NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer. This roadmap pinpoints four technology themes — digital, chemistry and materials, biotechnology and energy — along with 39 technology applications across various sectors where NSW has competitive advantages over its domestic and international counterparts.

Design Futures Lab © UNSW 2021

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte oversaw the creation of the Roadmap.

“The report lays out 39 sectors where we think we’re pretty good,” he says. “We highlighted four main technologies, but within those, we found a lot of applications. For example, we have a number of robotics companies here, and we’re doing cutting-edge research – 80 per cent of all funding in Australian robotics comes to Sydney.”

As Australia’s premier city, Sydney is the hub of science and engineering progress in Australia and significant government support can be seen with multi-million-dollar investments in The Sydney Quantum Academy and the Sydney Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems.

Sydney’s goldmine of knowledge shines through

World-renowned astrophysicist Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, the former Australian Government’s Women in STEM Ambassador (2018-2024) and a Professor at UNSW Sydney, attests to Sydney’s prowess: “The work being done in Sydney has opened new doors in science and helped us to discover amazing new things. This city is an absolute goldmine of knowledge and interdisciplinary opportunity.”

The Optus 5G Innovation Hub, housing over 550 advanced communication startups, and the A$150-million the University of Sydney Nanoscience Hub underscore Sydney’s pivotal role in fostering groundbreaking research and development. Moreover, the city hosts Australia’s first Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility and Tech Central, a thriving innovation district at the heart of Sydney’s tech revolution.

Sydney-based engineer Dr. Marlene Kanga AO, former President of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations, praises Sydney’s environment for innovation: “Sydney is really a hub of innovation. We have all the best and brightest companies here, advancing new technologies.”

Sydney’s appeal extends beyond its technological prowess; its multicultural fabric and diverse talent pool enrich the city’s scientific ecosystem. With nearly one-third of its 4.7 million residents born overseas and over 200 languages spoken, Sydney fosters a global perspective that enhances collaboration and innovation across borders.
 

Science Students © UNSW

An ideal location for science and engineering events

World-class venues, excellent infrastructure, and logistical support make Sydney an ideal choice for hosting conferences and business events across scientific and engineering disciplines. Some of these include:

• MobiCom ‘22 the Annual International Conference on Mobile Computing and Networking held in Sydney in 2022
• World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesiology 2023
• International Conference on Urban Climate 11, 2023 
• SolarPACES 2023
• IEEE International Future Energy Electronics Conference 2023
• World Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Science 2023 
• 21st International meeting on Lithium batteries
• International conference on Soil Mechanics & Geotechnical Engineering Acoustics 2023
• International Conference on Biomagnetism - BIOMAG 2024
• World Engineering Education Forum - Global Engineering Deans Conference 2024

From major scientific conferences to regular industry symposiums and workshops, Sydney provides a fertile ground for sharing insights, forging collaborations and exploring the latest advancements in technology and research. 

Sydney not only captivates with its natural beauty and iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. It also inspires change through its robust knowledge economy. With its sunny demeanour combined with its science and engineering smarts, Sydney stands ready to host and foster the next wave of transformative ideas and discoveries.
 

Join the innovation frontier in Sydney, the premier destination for science and engineering business events. Download the ebook on Science and Engineering and meet the changemakers propelling Sydney into the future, at besydney.com.au