Ryan McClenaghan is responsible for the strategic leadership and coordination of the University of South Australia’s (UniSA) engagement with the defence and space sectors, with a focus on national capability development, international collaboration, and initiatives aligned with the AUKUS security partnership.
In his role, Ryan drives cross-university research collaboration, curriculum development, and strategic partnerships to ensure UniSA is a leading contributor to Australia’s growing space ecosystem. His work spans the creation of industry relevant education and training programs, the pursuit of joint research initiatives, and the establishment of long-term relationships with government and industry to support sovereign space capability.
Ryan brings over two decades of experience in advanced manufacturing, global business development, and technology commercialisation. Prior to joining UniSA, he was Director: Business Development, Defence & National Security at Fleet Space Technologies, where he shaped growth strategy, and built strategic relationships across the defence and space sectors.
He has led business development activities across Australia, the United States, Europe, the UK, and the MENA region, with deep expertise in US Government and Department of Defence engagement. He has also played a lead role in AUKUS related initiatives, including program delivery and bilateral government relations.
A committed leader and mentor, Ryan is passionate about developing Australia’s next generation of space professionals. He is a trusted contributor to strategic defence and space initiatives, committed to fostering collaboration that ensures Australia’s global competitiveness in the space domain.