Fleet Space.

When people think of space innovation, Adelaide may not be the first place that comes to mind. But for Fleet Space Co-founder and CEO Flavia Tata Nardini, South Australia was the perfect place to build a global space technology company.

More than a decade ago, Flavia chose Adelaide, not just for its space sector, but for the community, expertise and ambition she found here.

“What really inspired me about South Australia was this sense of innovation and technology.” Flavia says. “We all wanted South Australia to be on the map for the space economy, so it was the perfect time to build a space company here.”

Today, Fleet Space is building space-enabled technology to help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. Combining breakthrough advances in satellite technology, edge computing, AI and geophysics, they are unlocking new capabilities across the global space sector, defence and mineral exploration.

At the heart of Fleet’s mission is helping accelerate the transition to net zero by discovering the critical minerals needed for a more sustainable future.

“Our mission is to use space technology and AI to find resources, particularly critical minerals,” Flavia says. “If we’re able to find more minerals with space technologies, we can really accelerate net zero. This is a global impact. This is a world-changing topic.”

While Fleet’s technology is making an impact around the world, Flavia believes its success has been built on South Australian foundations.

“The innovation we have built with satellites that are able to understand the subsurface of the Earth is the result of knowledge that belongs to South Australia,” she says. “The industries, universities and research organisations here in Adelaide have helped make it possible.”

She also credits South Australia’s willingness to embrace innovation.

“South Australians were our first customers. From the resource sector to the energy sector, they didn’t shy away from trying innovation. I think that made us successful.”

For Flavia, South Australia offers something that’s difficult to find elsewhere, a place where ambitious businesses can grow alongside a great quality of life.

“Building a company is hard,” she says. “But South Australia offers an environment that really allows you to take care of everything. I can take care of my family, build this business and still have time to enjoy life. That’s a special gift this state gives you.”

After more than a decade living and working in South Australia, she says there’s nowhere else she’d rather be.

“I really feel connected, not just to the city, but to the people, the values and the way life is lived. I think we’re very lucky that Fleet was born in this state.”

Flavia believes Adelaide has become Australia’s natural home for space innovation.

“There is not really any other place where you should build a space company in this country, and I’m really pleased Adelaide is the place.”

Looking ahead, her vision extends beyond Fleet’s success.

“My biggest wish for South Australia is not just that Fleet becomes a unicorn, but that other companies around us can too, and we can really show the success we can build in this state.”

It’s a vision that reflects what makes South Australia unique, a place where world-changing ideas are supported by collaboration, where innovation is backed by community, and where businesses with global ambition can thrive while staying connected to what matters most.