Navigator: Defence & Dual-Use Technologies

Global defence and national security priorities are driving demand for new technologies, capabilities and partnerships. From advanced materials and autonomous systems to sensing, communications, cyber security and space technologies, the opportunities for innovation extend well beyond traditional Defence industries.

Across NSW, researchers, emerging ventures and established industry are developing technologies with the potential to strengthen Australia’s sovereign capability and address complex Defence and civilian challenges.

But understanding where these technologies could make a difference, how to access them and what it takes to move from promising research to real-world application isn’t always straightforward.

Join Cicada Innovations and UNSW for Navigator: Defence & Dual-Use Technologies, bringing together Defence, government, industry, researchers and technology developers to explore emerging capability needs, discover innovations with potential Defence and civilian applications, and connect with the people and organisations helping bring those technologies into use.

Date: Thursday, 3rd December 2026

Time: 10 AM - 1 PM

Location: UNSW Kensington (specific location will be shared two days prior to the event)

Places are limited. Registration is essential.

What to expect

Navigator is a focused, three-hour exploration of the challenges, innovations and opportunities shaping Australia’s Defence and dual-use technology landscape.

We’ll explore:

• The challenges worth solving. 

• Innovation in action. 

• Finding the way forward. 

There’ll also be time to connect with researchers, technology developers, Defence industry representatives and innovation partners, and explore where new opportunities for collaboration might emerge.

Whether you’re looking for new approaches to complex challenges or exploring where your research or technology could make a difference, Navigator helps you discover what’s possible and find the way forward.

This isn’t a pitch event. It’s an opportunity to understand what’s needed, discover what’s possible and find the people and pathways that can help make it happen.

Who should attend?

• Defence, government and capability stakeholders - those involved in shaping capability priorities, innovation, technology development and industry engagement - an opportunity to understand emerging research and technologies, explore potential applications and connect with the organisations developing them.

• Defence industry and potential adopters - for primes, SMEs, systems integrators and technology leaders looking to understand emerging capabilities, explore new approaches to technical and operational challenges, and identify potential research and industry collaborators.

• Researchers - whether you’re already working with Defence or simply curious about the potential applications of your research, Navigator offers insight into Defence and industry needs, examples of successful research translation and connections to people who can help you explore your next steps.

• Deep tech founders - technology developers working across Defence, space, cyber, advanced manufacturing and adjacent sectors - have an opportunity to understand capability priorities, learn from commercialisation journeys and explore pathways into Defence and civilian markets.

• Innovation and commercialisation partners - organisations supporting research translation, venture development, Defence innovation and technology adoption, Navigator provides an opportunity to share expertise, build connections and help participants navigate the support available across NSW.

The program

10:00am | Arrival and refreshments. Meet fellow attendees and connect with the defence and dual-use innovation community.

10:30am | Welcome and sector context. Setting the scene for Australia’s defence and dual-use technology landscape, NSW’s innovation strengths and the role of research and industry collaboration in building future capability.

10:50am | The challenges worth solving. A fireside conversation on the real-world problems being funding right now, from GPS-denied navigation to counter-drone sensing. We unpack how those problems are sourced from operators and allies, and what it takes for a project to get backed.

11:05am | Innovation in action. A conversation with researchers, university spin-outs, founders and industry collaborators who’ve taken emerging technologies into defence and civilian applications. They’ll share the technology challenges, capability needs and dual-use opportunities they’re seeing, and unpack what it takes to do business with Defence: the barriers they’ve navigated and what they’ve learned along the way.

11:40am | Find your pathway. Lightning talks from the organisations, programs and networks supporting defence innovation, research translation and technology adoption. Explore pathways for commercialisation, testing, industry partnerships, funding and engagement with customers.

12:00pm | Networking and emerging capability showcase. Continue the conversation, discover emerging technologies and research capabilities, and explore opportunities for collaboration across defence and civilian markets.

1:00pm | Event concludes.

About the organisers

This event is co-designed and delivered by Cicada Innovations and the University of Newcastle, through its Integrated Innovation Network (I2N), as part of the NSW Deep Tech Commercialisation Training Program, funded by the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer.

Cicada Innovations brings more than 25 years of experience supporting deep tech research commercialisation and venture development. The University of Newcastle brings deep research expertise, strong industry relationships and a commitment to innovation that supports the Hunter's economic and industrial future.

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This event will be photographed and filmed, and footage may be used to promote this and future programs. If you’d prefer not to appear, just let our team know on the day.