Science & engineering

NSW has diverse and thriving science and engineering sectors, with key strengths that range from advanced manufacturing, digital and communications technologies and quantum computing to decarbonisation, energy transition and the circular economy.

Australia’s largest state economy, NSW has the greatest number of STEM graduates and technology professionals in the country; the largest manufacturing sector; and the largest innovation ecosystem, backed by government investment and strategies.

NSW also benefits from the strong presence of the national science agency – the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) – which includes its data science and digital division (Data61) based in Sydney.

Collaboration is at the heart of science and engineering in NSW, with dedicated districts created by government that bring together experts from across industry, government and academia.

Our innovation districts include  – an ecosystem of universities, industry partners, startups and research institutes – where resident innovators work across a range of science and engineering areas including quantum technology and renewable technologies.

Part of Tech Central, Cicada Innovations   a deep tech incubator that has among its areas of focus food and agriculture, advanced industry, climate and energy, and space. It nurtures companies working in different fields, from robotics and thermal sensors to green hydrogen and vertical indoor farming.

To the west, a new aerotropolis – Bradfield – is being created alongside a new airport due to open in 2026. An innovation and education district, it will be an industrial base with an Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility, an agribusiness precinct, and a new purpose-built facility for the CSIRO.

Our universities are vital to the science and engineering ecosystem in NSW, working as partners to both government and industry. In Sydney, our academic institutions consistently achieve high global rankings for their expertise; and they host a wide range of specialist research facilities.

The University of New South Wales is home to the Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology, renowned for pioneering the transformation of waste for use as a new generation of green materials and products; and the Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology.

The University of Sydney hosts the Sydney Nano Institute, which conducts multidisciplinary nanoscience research across areas including manufacturing, energy and the environment, communications and computing; and the Warren Centre, which has dedicated hubs for energy and humanitarian engineering.

The University of Technology Sydney hosts a Climate Change Cluster research institute which works across the life and physical sciences, from food and energy security to sustainability and ecological resilience; and the UTS Robotics Institute, a world-leader in autonomous and human-centred robotics.

We have networks across science and engineering, with Global Ambassadors working at the forefront of their fields, from the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer, distinguished astrophysicists and quantum computing pioneers to nanotechnologists and ground-breaking materials scientists and engineers.

Meet our Ambassadors