A new partnership is set to empower more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to complete STEM study and build related career paths.
The long-term collaboration between UNSW Sydney and award-winning First Nations technology company, Baidam, will create pathways into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education as well as future careers in technology for Indigenous students.
Matching contributions from Baidam and UNSW will build funds to provide two scholarships each year in perpetuity with an initial philanthropic investment from Baidam, matched by UNSW, set to generate funds which will provide ongoing support for students.
UNSW said the partnership reflects the shared dedication of both organisations to reducing barriers to education, increasing Indigenous representation in STEM disciplines and supporting long-term success through education, industry engagement and community partnership.
UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous, Professor Leanne Holt, said the scholarships would help create lasting opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students pursuing careers connected to STEM and technology.
"We are proud to partner with Baidam on this enduring commitment to First Nations students," Professor Holt said.
"Together, we're creating clear ways into industries where Indigenous voices, knowledge and leadership are needed now more than ever."
Baidam is an Indigenous technology and cybersecurity company which Australia's first Indigenous-owned Security Operations Centre (SOC).
UNSW says the company has built a strong reputation for creating trajectories into the technology sector while supporting Indigenous participation and leadership.
The UNSW partnership is the latest in a series of STEM scholarships Baidam has funded in part or in full across Australia.
"Our goal is to help bridge the disparity gap between non-Indigenous and First Nations Peoples by allowing for more Indigenous involvement in the national technology community," Baidam CEO, Beau Hodge, said.
"It's a win not only for Indigenous students trying to establish a meaningful, well-paid career, but for an industry that's desperately short of trained resources."
Mr Hodge said UNSW has been "incredibly engaged" with and supportive of Baidam's First Nations scholarship initiative.
"To the extent that they've effectively doubled the impact by adding a second scholarship," he said.
"These perpetual scholarships create a real pathway for First Nations students who want a career in the technology sector through UNSW.
"We've been incredibly impressed with how UNSW actively supports opportunities for Indigenous students to study and has generated awareness and engagement with local schools, communities and businesses."
The partnership builds on UNSW's support for First Nations student success.
In 2026, UNSW offered 28 scholarships for Indigenous students through 21 scholarship programs, including several supporting STEM studies.
UNSW said the Baidam partnership strengthens its growing ecosystem of support and contributes to a long-term vision of Indigenous participation and leadership in the technology sector.
"We are proud to partner with Baidam on this enduring commitment to First Nations students," Professor Holt said.
"Together, we're creating pathways into industries where Indigenous voices, knowledge and leadership are needed now more than ever."
