Karl RodriguesExecutive Director, International and National Engagement, Australian Space Agency

Karl is the Executive Director for International and National Engagement for the Australian Space Agency responsible for developing relationships with International Space Agencies as well as engaging with Australian industry, start-ups, domestic agencies, research institutions and all state and territory governments to help grow the Australian space sector.
Karl has over 25 years of experience in innovation, venture investment, research, development and commercialisation of technology. Karl was Deputy Director for CSIRO Energy responsible for the Business Unit strategy, science investment and operations. He delivered science impact, leadership and direction to the Business Unit including the creation of the Hydrogen Future Science Platform to create a new energy security and export opportunity for Australia.

Prior to CSIRO, he worked for companies such as Intel, Digital Equipment Corporation and The Hong Kong Jockey Club as well as US high-tech start-ups.  Upon returning to Australia, Karl managed Intel Capital ANZ where he invested in several Australian and New Zealand companies and also enjoyed launching a number of start-up companies in Australia and South-East Asia.

Karl holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Computing Science from the University of Technology in Sydney, an MBA with Distinction from Griffith University in Queensland and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Karl is passionate about innovation and start-ups and is an Adjunct Lecturer in Entrepreneurial Finance and Financing Innovation in the MBA programs for the Macquarie Graduate School of Management (MGSM) and the Sydney Business School (Sydney University).