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.
“Backed by 150+ years of combined commercial leadership experience, and a decade of applied R&D delivery, we have partnered with over 100 organisations to bring complex technology challenges from concept to real-world deployment.”
Hervé Harvard
Founder and Executive Director, UTS Rapido
Core R&D capabilities
UX and digital solutions
We create value generating digital solutions by identifying the needs of your business, its market, and the end-users, and by designing, developing...
Software engineering
We apply analytical thinking, engineering principles, methods, tools and the latest AI software development expertise to the design, development and...
Mechatronics
We design, test and build intelligent systems that solve technical challenges through mechanical and mechatronic engineering, supported by in-house additive...
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.
“The work we’re doing with UTS Rapido is a quantum shift in our industry and it will allow us to make smarter and more efficient investment decisions.”
Philip Byrum
Director, Orion Consulting
“Working with Rapido was a seamless process. They were just so competent; they understood exactly what we needed to achieve.”
Jasmine Sayour
Managing Director, PolySpine
“UTS Rapido had the knowledge, passion, commitment, and will to try something previously untested in creating the GLI.”
Associate Professor Ramona Vijeyarasa
Chair in Gender and the Law, Professor and Founder of the Gender Legislative Index
“This isn’t just a technology project. It’s a chance for us to continue leading the way in our industry and deliver real-world solutions using AI as the vehicle.”
Kurt Gruber
Co Founder, WV Technologies
“Streamlining our processes could save support staff up to 60 hours weekly to redirect towards other initiatives, while also reducing client-reported problems, boosting client satisfaction and professional growth for our team.”
Tim Dorey
CIO & Co-Founder Informed 365
“As a start-up, we knew we had to tap into the research ecosystem to access the skills and resources we didn't have in-house. This partnership supported our expansion from two employees in Melbourne to 60 employees spread across offices in four countries.”
Byron Kennedy
Co‑founder and CEO, SPEE3D
“Without UTS Rapido, it would have taken us at least two years to develop the CHEX digital currency. Today, we save 400+ volunteer hours and $20,000 annually, with plans to triple the program within six months.”
Oscar Sanchez
Harris Community Centre Coordinator
Meet the team
Rapido's leadership brings together decades of commercial, technical and research experience across industry, government and academia, delivering applied R&D that is professionally managed, commercially grounded and built for real-world impact.
Hervé Harvard
Founder and Executive Director, UTS Rapido
Julie Kowald
Principal Delivery Manager, UX and Digital Solutions
Raj Calisa
Principal Delivery Manager, Software Engineering
Michael Behrens
Principal Delivery Manager, Mechatronics
Aimee Welstead
B2B Communications Lead
Simon Kwan
Business Relationship Lead
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.
Quokka Quantum
The Rapido software and mechatronics team assisted academics Christopher Ferrie and Simon Devitt on the early prototype that paved the way to the first...
Informed365
In an era where corporate social responsibility is at the forefront of consumer minds, the partnership between Informed 365 and UTS Rapido sets a new standard...
Navantia Australia
Collaboratively with Navantia Australia and Eye Candy Animation, we defined, designed and developed cutting-edge training solutions for the defence sector.
Cutting-edge software brings custom surgical implants to life
The rapid 3D printing of surgical implants that precisely fit individual patients is a step closer with new software to help with their design and manufacture.
Quokka Quantum
The Rapido software and mechatronics team assisted academics Christopher Ferrie and Simon Devitt on the early prototype that paved the way to the first...
Informed365
In an era where corporate social responsibility is at the forefront of consumer minds, the partnership between Informed 365 and UTS Rapido sets a new standard...
Navantia Australia
Collaboratively with Navantia Australia and Eye Candy Animation, we defined, designed and developed cutting-edge training solutions for the defence sector.
Cutting-edge software brings custom surgical implants to life
The rapid 3D printing of surgical implants that precisely fit individual patients is a step closer with new software to help with their design and manufacture.