InnovationAus.com, in partnership with The Department of Defence, invites you to express your interest* in an exclusive event, Dual-Use Forum: Bridging Industry and Defence. This event is designed to foster a deeper understanding and collaboration between local deep tech small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Defence, particularly those who have not yet engaged with Defence.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, 21 June
Time: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm AEST
Location: Warren Theatre, The Museum of Sydney, NSW

The event is free of charge, providing a valuable opportunity for SMEs to gain insights and make connections.

What to Expect:

Following the recommendations of last year’s Defence Strategic Review, the Defence Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) ecosystem has restructured the way that it engages with industry and how it acquires capability. Many deep tech startups building products for civilian commercial markets have had little exposure to Defence and may not have considered the potential for their products in a defence application.

‘Dual-use’ tech covers everything from artificial intelligence and quantum technologies to robotics, rocketry, photonics, lasers, and cyber.

This forum will gather leaders from Defence, government, industry, investors, and research sectors. It is an opportunity for local tech companies, especially those aligned with AUKUS Pillar 2, developing for multiple market segments to hear directly from Defence about key program changes that enable rapid tech capability acquisition from innovative Australian companies.

Defence can be challenging for innovative small businesses to navigate, and many SMEs have had limited exposure to Defence procurement and acquisition programs.

Don't Miss This Opportunity To:

Gain insights into the operational structures and priorities of Defence entities.
Network with researchers and investors.
Learn more about Defence procurement processes and reforms.
Address common questions about export controls and security clearances.
Connect with key players in the Defence sector.
Explore collaborative opportunities.
Shape the future of deep tech innovation in Defence.

Confirmed Speakers

Professor Tanya Monro AC, Chief Defence Scientist, Department of Defence

Chris Deeble, AO CSC, Deputy Secretary, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment, Defence of Defence

Professor Emily Hilder, Head of the Advanced Strategic, Capabilities Accelerator, Department of Defence

Kate Pounder, ASCA Advisory board

Martin Duursma, Partner, Main Sequence

Marten Peck, Co-Founder, Salus Ventures

Catherine Hallett, Director AUKUS Technology Transfer, Department of Defence

Jane Wood, Assistant Secretary Industry Domestic Policy, Department of Defence

Carmel Boyd, Acting Assistant Secretary Australian Industry Capability Delivery, Department of Defence

Professor Andrew Dzurak, CEO & Founder, Diraq

Chris Shaw, CEO and Co-Founder, Advanced Navigation

David Waterhouse, Co-Founder, Hypersonix Launch Systems

*Given the nature of the event, preference will be given to companies that have not previously collaborated with Defence. We will confirm your attendance via email.