Smart sensing for a smarter world
Connecting world-class sensing researchers with the companies and agencies that need them
Who we are
The NSSN was established in 2016 by the NSW Government through the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer, founded on a simple observation: NSW had world-class sensing research sitting in its universities, and industry and government weren't able to easily access it. We exist to close that gap. Today, we bring together seven member universities and a wide range of industry and government partners, working on everything from environmental monitoring to industrial automation.
Whether you're a company with a technical challenge, a government agency looking for independent expertise, or a researcher seeking real-world impact, we're here to help.
What we do
We match NSW's and the ACT’s most complex sensing challenges with the researchers, facilities and expertise best placed to solve them — then help make the collaboration actually work.
For companies If you're facing a technical challenge that's slowing you down or holding back growth, we can identify the right research expertise, broker the introduction, and support you through an R&D partnership that delivers real commercial outcomes.
For government If you need independent scientific expertise, validation or advice on a sensing or monitoring challenge, we connect you with leading NSW researchers and provide the kind of rigorous, evidence-based support that internal teams often can't.
For researchers If you want your work to reach beyond the lab, we open doors to industry and government partners, help identify funding opportunities, and amplify your research to the audiences that matter.
NSSN Grand Challenge Fund Every year, our Grand Challenge Fund provides grants of up to $100,000 to support collaborative R&D projects between member universities and industry or government partners. [Learn more]
How we work
Working with NSSN is straightforward. You don't need a technical brief or a research background, just a problem worth solving.
1. Get in touch Tell us about your challenge in plain language. We'll ask the right questions to understand what you need and whether we can help.
2. We scope it We draw on our network of seven member universities to identify the researchers, facilities and expertise best matched to your problem - and we do that work for you.
3. We make the match We broker the introduction, help structure the collaboration and make sure both sides are set up for a productive working relationship.
4. You get results We stay involved throughout — whether the outcome is an R&D partnership, a funded Grand Challenge project, independent scientific advice, or something in between.
Our sensing capabilities
Sensing technologies
Systems & data
Applications
Our network spans the full sensing stack - from the underlying technologies through to real-world applications. If your challenge involves sensing, monitoring or data, chances are we know someone who can help.
Our strategic direction
The NSSN Strategic Plan sets out our vision for NSW as a leading hub for smart sensing innovation - and how we plan to get there.
Our vision NSW is home to a thriving ecosystem for smart sensing innovation.
Our mission To accelerate solutions to complex and critical challenges by translating world-class smart sensing research.
Our objectives
Build a thriving ecosystem for smart sensing innovation
Develop a larger and more dynamic smart sensing community
Enhance awareness and durability of the NSSN as an organisation
Read the full Strategic Plan
Our priority themes
Our five priority themes - from Human Health to Net Zero - respond to some of NSW's most pressing challenges and guide where we focus our research partnerships. Explore our priority themes.
Annual report
Read about NSSN's achievements, partnerships and impact over the past year.
Read the FY24/25 Annual Report
Read our past annual reports
