Northern Territory of Australia – Singapore’s Emerging Deep Tech Sandbox
An emerging Deep Tech hinterland for testing world-class technologies in real-world environments
DARWIN, AUSTRALIA — April 2025 – The Northern Territory of Australia is emerging as Singapore’s deep tech sandbox — a place where advanced manufacturing and engineering startups can test, prove and scale cutting-edge technologies in real environments.
“Singapore is a global innovation leader. The Northern Territory complements that strength by offering deep tech startups something few places can — vast open areas, industry access, and testbed-ready terrain,” said Harley Paroulakis, CEO of Paspalis Capital.“We’re proud to work with some of Singapore’s most exciting deep tech founders, helping them commercialise and scale their innovations through our projects in the Territory.”
Paspalis Capital is a leading early-stage investor specialising in hard tech innovations. It has completed high-impact investments in Singapore startups including Atomionics, Equatorial Space Systems, Aliena, and Transcelestial.
In 2025, Paspalis became one of 20 new global partners of SEEDS Capital, an investment arm of SG Growth Capital, to help unlock new tech investments. The partnership focuses on deep tech and advanced engineering — aligning with Singapore’s growing push into those sectors.
Through the Paspalis Co-Investment Fund, a joint initiative with the Northern Territory Government, Paspalis has invested in companies like Atomionics and Equatorial Space Systems to accelerate innovation and market adoption in emerging industries. These companies are now expanding and testing technology in Australia’s north — tapping into mining, space, defence, and remote community use cases.
Atomionics – Quantum sensing at mining’s frontier
Atomionics is building a mobile quantum sensor to precisely map gravity signatures underground to rapidly unlock resource discovery. “Testing in the Northern Territory has fast-tracked our product development and first international customers,” said Sahil Tapiawala, CEO and Co-Founder of Atomionics. “We’ve moved from lab to field in months, and the support from Paspalis and government stakeholders has been exceptional.”
The company has set up a Northern Territory office and is scaling its local presence throughout Australia with several surveys planned with the country’s leading mining companies.
Equatorial Space Systems – Rockets tested in record time
For Singapore-based rocket startup Equatorial Space Systems, Australia’s Northern Territory offered what Singapore often lacks — large non-urban spaces for hot-fire testing.
Just 44 days after Paspalis’ investment, ESS conducted its first hot-fire test at a dedicated site at Hidden Valley, Darwin. The company now develops its hybrid rocket systems, powered by its proprietary HRF-1 solid fuel in Darwin and employs three full-time engineers on-site and plans to conduct its first launch of its suborbital rocket, Dorado, in the third quarter of 2025.
“Darwin’s conditions and support made it possible to go from zero to ignition in weeks,” said Simon Gwozdz, Founder and CEO of Equatorial Space Systems. “It’s an ideal testbed to push the limits of space propulsion technology.”
Laser-fast connectivity takes off in the Territory with Transcelestial trial
Singaporean telecom company Transcelestial will partner with Darwin-based Paspalis Capital to trial laser communication technology across the Northern Territory from 2025. The tests aim to improve internet connectivity in remote regions, support defence and space communications, and reduce costs for mobile and network providers.
Transcelestial will test its CENTAURI laser system in both dry and wet season conditions, explore ground-to-drone communications for defence, and set up its first overseas space-ground station in Alice Springs.
“The Northern Territory offers the perfect environment to push the limits of our laser technology — its remote conditions and strategic importance make it an ideal launchpad for innovation in connectivity and space communications.” CEO of Transcelestial, Rohit Jha.
A Government backing innovation
The Hon Robyn Cahill OAM, the Northern Territory Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations recently met in Singapore with Paspalis, SEEDS Capital, and its investees to explore how to support further support expansion into the market. The NT Government supports startups through co-investment, streamlined site identification, and partnerships with local industries.
“The cutting-edge work by companies like Atomionics and ESS shows the Northern Territory is a great place to test and grow innovation,” said Minister Cahill. “We have deep industry links across mining, exploration, maritime and defence — and that’s a powerful platform for any technology company looking to validate and scale.”
Why the Northern Territory?
Darwin offers a unique environment for early-stage testing. It sits near Asia’s major markets, has low population density, and strong government support. The Northern Territory is becoming a proven launchpad for deep tech. Startups and investors looking to explore opportunities in Australia’s north can contact Paspalis Capital to learn more about co-investment and testbed support.
