Sunswift Racing, a global leader in solar-electric vehicle innovation, is entering a new era of research and commercialisation. Building on its decades-long expertise in high-performance, ultra-efficient mobility, Richard Hopkins, Head of Sunswift Racing team, is launching P-ONE Technology, an agile commercialisation spin-off of Sunswift Racing, which is backed by UNSW & the Australian Government’s TRaCE Trailblazer program. The independent research and development agency will focus on transforming cutting-edge research in green energy, recycling, and advanced manufacturing into market-ready automotive solutions.
To help drive this vision forward, P-ONE Technology has joined forces with the TRaCE Enterprise Academic Program to appoint Tyson Rose as Chief Commercial Officer, leveraging his expertise in innovation strategy and sustainable mobility. The fellowship is designed to fast-track the commercialisation of university research and provide researchers with dedicated funding, mentorship, and industry connections to help bridge the gap between academia and the market.
For nearly 30 years, Sunswift Racing has operated as UNSW’s flagship student-integrated prototype car project, setting world records and proving the capabilities of next-generation sustainable transport. That legacy continues, with Sunswift Racing remaining focused on competition and technical excellence.
Now, with P-ONE Technology, a second pillar emerges: an independent commercialisation spin-out that combines the research excellence of UNSW, the prototyping and innovation capability of Sunswift Racing, and TRaCE’s commercialisation expertise. By integrating these strengths, P-ONE Technology is uniquely positioned to succeed.
“With Sunswift Racing, we’ve always pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable transport,” said Richard Hopkins, Founder of P-ONE Technology. “Now, with P-ONE Technology, we’re taking that same pioneering spirit and applying it across industries, helping companies fast-track their R&D and bring new technologies to market faster than everyone else.”
P-ONE Technology will serve as a bridge between world-class university research, industry needs, and real-world impact. The new venture will provide industry-focused research capabilities that go beyond sustainable mobility to support a broad range of technological advancements. It will operate with an agnostic approach to innovation, meaning it can work across industries to enhance efficiency, develop new technologies, and help businesses overcome R&D roadblocks. Whether it’s refining ultra-efficient transport solutions or inventing from scratch, P-ONE Technology’s mission is to supercharge research and commercialisation cycles.
By supporting fellows like Tyson and ventures like P-ONE Technology, the Enterprise Academic program is demonstrating how targeted support can accelerate the commercialisation of university research. “We’re not just backing ideas, we’re backing people with the capability to lead commercial outcomes,” said Claudia Kirkpatrick-Just, Program Manager. With this support, P-ONE Technology is well-positioned to shape the future of sustainable vehicle innovation and set a precedent for how universities engage with industry.
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About the TRaCE Enterprise Academic Program
The TRaCE Enterprise Academic Fellowship Program provides funding for researchers to focus on commercialising their innovations, offering the time, support, and resources needed to accelerate the transition from research to real-world impact. This may involve spinning out companies, establishing innovation hubs, or forging industry partnerships. Programs like this not only bring new technologies to market but also cultivate a new generation of researchers who are commercially focused and driven to create a lasting impact.
