UTS Rapido is an R&D innovation hub delivering engineering and technology solutions for industry and social impact.
Engineering and IT solutions built for industry
We speak the language of business, not just research. We understand the pace, pressures and practical realities of commercial R&D because we’ve worked in it ourselves. We also recognise the value of meaningful university collaboration. UTS offers access to world-class expertise and advanced facilities, but navigating that environment isn’t always straightforward.
UTS Rapido is a unique model that bridges the gap between industry and university.
Rapido is a multidisciplinary innovation hub with deep technical capability and experience.
We bring together user-centred design, software excellence, hardware excellence, and we deliver impactful solutions for the community, for industry, and for academia research.
It is done by providing a team of R&D specialists and engineers that are used to working with industry, many of them have worked in industry before, and are supported by suitable project management practises, ensuring speed and agility.
So just to give you some examples of the kinds of problems that we solve, so we work in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, machine vision.
We also work with robotics and robotics adjacent technologies. And in all these cases, we essentially apply emerging technology as well as current research to solve industry problems.
One of the great things about being on campus here is that we are embedded in a great group of intelligent people, and when we don't have the expertise we need within Rapido, we can go out to the wider university community. We work with a multitude of businesses from startups to large companies, including SMEs and the public sector. And we work across so many sectors from telecommunication, defence, manufacturing, biomedical, mining, insurance, to name a few. We also offer flexible options to support the not- for-profit sector.
The university exists for public good, and we're lucky enough to contribute through the Rapido Social Impact Program. And we have a lot of social impact organisations that come to us seeking help.
It is our role to enable them to have access to the skillset that we have, similarly to wealthier or more commercial organisations.
If your organisation needs help with regard to your innovation strategies or products or roadmaps, please come and talk to us.
I am very proud of UTS Rapido and the team to have established a unique model that is able to move the dial when it comes to university industry collaborations.
Bridging industry and academia through applied R&D
We connect industry, government and not-for-profits with UTS’s research, engineering and digital expertise to deliver practical, high-impact technology solutions.
From AI-driven data science in financial services, to 3D geometry processing in healthcare, to wireless energy harvesting in the energy sector, we help partners unlock the full potential of the UTS innovation ecosystem.
Our flexible, outsourced R&D model combines applied research, technical development and end-to-end project delivery. Engineers, software developers, UX specialists and project managers work alongside UTS researchers to scope, manage and deliver innovation tailored to real-world needs.
Download the UTS Rapido brochure >>>
Missing the in-house capability to progress your idea?
We help organisations fill critical R&D gaps by offering targeted expertise in software, UX, mechatronics and research translation. Our core services include:
| Software engineering We design, develop and maintain bespoke software solutions using proven engineering methods and analytical thinking. We help partners solve complex challenges and deliver smarter systems. >>> Find out more about 3D Geometry Processing at UTS Rapido | UX and digital solutions We create user-centred digital experiences by identifying the needs of your business, market and end users. Our team designs and deploys tailored digital solutions that drive value and engagement. >>> Download our UX at Rapido brochure |
| Mechatronics and additive manufacturing We design, prototype and test intelligent systems that integrate additive manufacturing, mechanical, electronic and software components. This helps industry partners improve products, automate processes and explore new technologies. >>> Download our Mechatronics at Rapido brochure | Research translation We bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application, supporting partners to turn insights into policy, practice or market-ready solutions. >>> Download our Research Translation brochure |
Why work with UTS Rapido?
| Professional R&D experts, engineers and researchers We combine engineering, project management and academic expertise to deliver practical, applied R&D that drives business and social impact. | Seamless industry–university collaboration Our engineers and delivery managers are skilled in translating between academic research and commercial application, helping bridge gaps in capability, language and timelines. |
| Trusted innovation delivery We de-risk university engagement by providing a dedicated R&D team focused on delivering against your innovation objectives. | Clear IP outcomes In most cases, partners retain ownership of the intellectual property generated through their funded projects, ensuring clarity and value from the outset. |
| Access a leading innovation ecosystem As part of UTS, Australia’s #1 young university, we give partners access to a contemporary, cross-disciplinary innovation ecosystem driven by public good and real-world impact. | Committed to social impact Through Rapido Social Impact, we partner with NFPs and purpose-led organisations to co-develop engineering and technology solutions for community benefit. Projects are delivered on a low-bono basis where impact is the priority. Learn more: UTS Rapido Social Impact |
Is grant funding part of your R&D strategy?
Australia offers strong government support for innovation, with a wide range of grants available to businesses and researchers. Many of these include generous matched funding.
We help partners identify relevant funding opportunities and strengthen their applications by aligning projects with grant objectives.
Commonly accessed grants include: Cooperative Research Centres (CRC), CRC Projects (CRC-P), Industry Growth Centres, NSW MVP Ventures Program, Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC)
Our partners and collaborators
We collaborate with individuals and organisations to deliver UX research, proof of concepts, prototypes and full-service engineering solutions, translating ideas into real-world outcomes.
Our partners include:
| Small and medium-sized enterprises | Global companies | Not-for-profits (NFPs) |
| Start-ups and scale-ups | Academic teams | Individual researchers |
Industry sector expertise:
We deliver R&D projects across a wide range of sectors, including health and life sciences, software and digital, IoT, advanced manufacturing, civil and structural engineering, mining, energy, AgTech, transport, government, defence, social impact, not-for-profits, consumer retail and fashion.
Want to explore a project with us?
Let's have that first conversation: Contact Rapido
Download the story of UTS Rapido >>>
