The Perth Landing Pad program is a gateway for high-growth international and interstate startups and scale-ups looking to establish themselves in Western Australia. Supported by the City of Perth and the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, this program provides participants with a robust foundation to explore and expand their operations into the APAC region.
Perth Landing Pad offers a wealth of resources tailored to support the growth journey of innovative companies. Participants gain access to expert mentorship, one-on-one sessions with seasoned business leaders, and targeted connections with local businesses. The program also includes an online hub of curated resources, business-boosting events, and guidance on navigating the WA market, helping founders create a roadmap for long-term success.
We’re thrilled to welcome Sanketh Huddar, Founding Director & COO of Ci4, to the program. Ci4 is pioneering next-generation aerospace and defense solutions, and we recently caught up with Sanketh to hear more about his journey, groundbreaking projects, and vision for growing in Western Australia.
Our journey began with the goal of developing advanced autonomous systems that enhance operational efficiency across multiple domains. It’s not just about innovation in hardware but also integrating AI-driven intelligence for mission-critical applications” shared Sanketh.
One of the company’s pivotal moments was participating in the iDEX program, a collaboration with the Indian Armed Forces that brought some of their concepts to life. “That experience pushed us to think bigger, refine our approach, and expand into multiple domains like land, air, sea, and space,” Sanketh explained.
Innovation is at the heart of Sanketh’s work, and his team is busy with several exciting projects.
“Right now, we’re developing an autonomous surveillance system that integrates multiple sensor modalities, along with advancing AI-driven maritime security solutions. Our focus is on scalable and modular systems that can be deployed across diverse environments”” he revealed.
Ci4 is in the final stages of negotiating a procurement deal with the Indian Navy for its Underwater Sensor Suite. Sanketh expressed, “It has demonstrated strong performance in field operations, and we’re exploring opportunities for broader adoption and localization in different operational theaters”
We asked Sanketh what he is hoping to achieve from the Perth Landing Pad program and he shared the following.
“This program is an opportunity to engage with Western Australia’s defense and technology ecosystem. We want to collaborate with local organizations, understand specific regional challenges, and explore how our autonomous solutions can contribute to security and surveillance initiatives””
Sanketh is also excited about the collaborative spirit of the program and networking opportunities. “We’re keen to exchange ideas with other technology leaders, gain market insights, and identify potential partnerships that align with our expertise in autonomous defense solutions” he added.
For Sanketh, expansion is about much more than market entry. “It’s about building relationships and understanding the local landscape,” he shared. Sanketh aims to create value for the community and collaborate with local stakeholders in Western Australia’s vibrant ecosystem, strengthening the company’s global presence.
Finally, we asked Sanketh how he has adapted his business for a new market, where he shared the following.
“Adaptation has been a constant for us. When entering new markets, we focus on understanding what the customers need and how our technologies fit into that picture.”
Looking ahead to the company’s future in Western Australia, his approach remains the same. “We prioritize learning from real-world deployments, refining our technology based on direct feedback, and fostering collaborations that drive meaningful innovation,” Sanketh concluded.
For startups and scale-ups looking to expand into Western Australia, the Perth Landing Pad program provides an invaluable opportunity. To learn more and apply now, visit the Perth Landing Pad website here!
