Forging Defence Futures: Innovation in Manufacturing

Join AIDN NSW for a special event in collaboration with the University of Sydney's Sydney Manufacturing Hub (SMH).

Forging Defence Futures: Innovation in Manufacturing brings together leaders from academia, industry, and defence to explore how collaborative research and advanced manufacturing are shaping Australia’s sovereign capability.

Hosted at the University of Sydney, this event will highlight cutting-edge developments in defence research and development, showcase pathways from concept to production, and uncover how partnerships are driving innovation to the frontline.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into the role of universities in building a resilient defence ecosystem and the opportunities for industry to engage in transformative collaboration.

ABOUT THE SYDNEY MANUFACTURING HUB:

The Sydney Manufacturing Hub (SMH) is a leading research facility offering advanced additive manufacturing (AM) and materials processing capabilities. Our new Large-format Additive Manufacturing (LAM) node enables rapid production of large components using solid-state processes like cold-spray and friction stir AM, delivering superior mechanical properties with minimal distortion. The facility also features custom metal powder atomisation, a heat treatment furnace, EDM system, and a 5-axis CNC mill—creating a complete start-to-end AM workflow. As the first of its kind in Australia, the LAM node supports cutting-edge research and industry collaboration in advanced manufacturing.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Monday 3 November 2025

Time: 1:30pm for registration - 5:00pm conclusion of tours

Venue: CG2 Level 5 Auditorium, Room 503, 1 King St, Newtown NSW 2042

RSVP: 5pm, Friday, 3rd October 2025

COST:

AIDN Members: Free

Non-Members: $50.00 incl GST

AGENDA

1:30pm-2:00pm Registration

2:00pm-2:10pm Welcome and Introduction

2:10pm-2:30pm Defence Research Collaboration

2:30pm-3:00pm Technical Presentation SMH Capability

3;00pm-3:45pm Panel: Bridging Innovation & Strategy: Academia-Industry Collaboration in Defence Research

3:45pm-5:00pm Networking and Lab visit

Terms and Conditions

• If you are feeling unwell or have a fever, please do not attend the event and notify AIDN QLD on aidnqld@aidn.org.au so your ticket can be reallocated.

• Please use hand sanitiser before entering the event. There will also be plenty of hand sanitiser inside for your use and we encourage regular use of the hand sanitiser.

• These terms and conditions are subject to change and we endeavour to advise you of these changes as soon as we can.

• By registering for this event, you understand and acknowledge that photographs will be taken in which you may appear, and that these images will be used in future AIDN marketing collateral.

Please contact Alanna at aidnqld@aidn.org.au if you have any queries about this fantastic event. 

We look forward to seeing you on the day!

Kind Regards,

The AIDN National Team