Spotlight on SAGE.

At SAGE Group, we believe in investing in our people and empowering the next generation of engineering talent. That’s why we were proud to support Emma Vladicic through our Community IMPACT Fund, as she pursued her passion for innovation with the Monash Uncrewed Aerial Systems (MUAS) team.

Emma, an undergraduate Engineering Officer at SAGE, is currently completing a double degree in Engineering and Finance. Since joining us in May, she has already made meaningful contributions to projects like Yarra Valley Water, applying her academic knowledge to real-world challenges.

But Emma’s impact extends far beyond the office.

As the Avionics Lead for MUAS, a student-led UAV team at Monash University, Emma has spent the past two years designing, building, and managing cutting-edge aircraft systems. Her leadership has been instrumental in developing vertical take-off drones for search-and-rescue missions and high-efficiency aircraft for international competition.

Taking Flight on the Global Stage 

This year, Emma and her team travelled to Hamburg, Germany, to compete in the Neues Fliegen Competition, a global challenge to build the fastest, most efficient aircraft using minimal battery power. The competition marked the culmination of over a year of design, manufacturing, and testing by a team of 90 students, with Emma leading the avionics division.

The journey was not without its hurdles. After air-freighting their drone, the team spent the first week navigating customs, rebuilding the aircraft, and conducting test flights.

Despite an early crash on the first day of flying, the team rallied, working through the night to rebuild the drone. Their resilience and collaboration earned admiration from fellow competitors and judges alike. Ultimately, MUAS placed sixth out of eight teams, a remarkable achievement for their first international outing.

What's Next for Emma and MUAS

Looking ahead, the team is setting its sights on the Student Unmanned Aerial Systems Competition in the United States next September. With a stronger focus on avionics and payload delivery, the competition aligns with Emma’s growing expertise in the space.

Empowering Purpose Through the Community IMPACT Fund 

Our Community IMPACT Fund is one of the ways we are living out our purpose of creating a smarter future and a better world. The fund supports initiatives that align with our values, fostering innovation, education, and community development. By backing Emma and the MUAS team, we’re not just supporting a competition; we’re investing in the future of engineering and the leaders who will shape it. By backing Emma and the MUAS team, we’re not just supporting a competition; we’re investing in the future of engineering and the next generation of leaders, championing innovation and inspiration.

SAGE Group Community IMPACT Fund is part of SAGE Group’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, focused on creating a smarter future and a better world. It supports three key initiatives: a strategic partnership with WaterAid Australia to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; continued sponsorship of the FIRST® Tech Challenge, a global robotics competition that inspires young people to pursue STEM careers; and Our People Fund, a flexible grant supporting employee-led initiatives that align with SAGE’s values and purpose.