Breakthrough Victoria’s $15 million investment in Liquid Instruments helps ensure world-leading products stay in Victoria, creating future jobs and industries. Since the investment was announced in June 2024, the company has expanded its manufacturing presence in the State.
Leveraging technology originally developed for NASA space missions, Liquid Instruments (LI) was founded in 2014 by Professor Daniel Shaddock as a spin-out from the Australian National University.
The company develops reconfigurable, software-defined test instruments that combine multiple tools into one compact device, transforming how scientists and engineers work. Today, LI’s Moku platform is used globally across industries from aerospace to quantum computing, with BV’s investment ensuring manufacturing is anchored in Victoria, and world-leading products remain here.
LI’s decision to manufacture locally and expand its footprint in Melbourne reflects the growing momentum of Victoria’s innovation ecosystem and the role BV plays in supporting high-impact companies to scale and succeed.
Manufacturing the Moku:Delta in Victoria
In early 2025 LI introduced an industry-first approach to test and measurement with the launch of Generative Instrumentation, a groundbreaking capability powered by AI and natural language inputs. This innovation allows engineers to design and configure custom test instruments with unprecedented flexibility, adapting swiftly to complex testing demands.At the heart of this pioneering technology is the Moku:Delta platform - a high-performance 2 GHz test device that supports over two (2) billion possible instrument combinations. It integrates up to eight (8) instrument slots with 15 standard instruments, offering unmatched configurability for advanced engineering applications.The Moku:Delta, has been manufactured in Victoria since August 2025, with the company having already shipped the platform to customers across the US, Europe and Asia, in deals worth millions of dollars.
Liquid Instruments’ decision to use Victorian based contract manufacturers enables it to embed the company’s production team within the local supply chain, ensuring high-quality standards and efficient ramp-up to meet global demand.
The decision to manufacture their flagship products locally, including the Moku:Go and Moku:Pro, reinforces their long-term commitment to building and scaling in Victoria.
Expanding at Melbourne Connect
In 2024, Liquid Instruments opened a new office at Melbourne Connect, the University of Melbourne’s innovation precinct. The site now hosts 15 employees and serves as the company’s hub for AI innovation, including the development of its Generative Instrumentation capabilities.
By locating at Melbourne Connect, Liquid Instruments is deepening its engagement with Victoria’s research and startup communities. The office enables collaboration, talent development, and further R&D activity, while enhancing Victoria’s reputation as a destination for high-tech firms and forward-thinking professionals.
Conclusion
Liquid Instruments exemplifies the kind of company Breakthrough Victoria backs - one that delivers economic, social, and technological benefits for the State. From creating jobs and upskilling workers to advancing STEM education and commercialising Australian research, the company’s presence in Victoria is helping to build a more resilient and globally competitive innovation ecosystem, reinforcing our leadership in advanced manufacturing.
Daniel Shaddock
CEO, Liquid Instruments
“We have been deeply impressed with the calibre of manufacturing partners in Victoria. Local manufacturing expertise is a strategic asset: without active support, it can fade. Continued investment in Victorian manufacturing ensures this capability thrives for decades to come."
Andrew Wilkie
Senior Director, Investment, Breakthrough Victoria
“Since our investment in 2024, Liquid Instruments has exceeded expectations - successfully launching the Victorian manufactured Moku:Delta and pioneering an industry-leading AI Generative Instrumentation capability from its new Melbourne Connect office. These achievements demonstrate how Victoria’s manufacturing and technology strengths are driving global innovation and delivering value to customers worldwide.”