Defence Trailblazer
Innovation & Commercialisation for Defence
Gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to take your defence innovation to market
Ìýhas developed aÌýDefence Innovation & Commercialisation ProgramÌýto assist with the identification of research and technology that can contribute to ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥â€™s sovereign defence capability.
The program will see defence industry leaders, university academics and commercialisation experts work together with participants to optimise pathways for commercialisation and market access.
Addressing the specific needs of people looking to successfully engage with defence market opportunities, the program will be delivered in several stages starting with an information session to explore possible approaches to commercialisation.
Discover more innovation and entrepreneurial courses atÌýThincLabÌýin Adelaide andÌýÌýin Sydney.
Join the Defence Trailblazer Commercialisation Bootcamps!
Are you a researcher or innovator with minimal commercialisation experience? The are designed just for you! Gain valuable entrepreneurship insights and connect with experienced professionals and defence industry experts.
About the Bootcamps
- Format:Ìý2-day intensive workshops
- Delivery:ÌýAcross ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥, both in-person (Adelaide & Canberra) and online
DatesÌý(Application Deadlines Extended!)
- Adelaide:Ìý3 – 4 March 2025
(Applications close 24 February 2025.) - Canberra:Ìý19 – 20 March 2025
(Applications close 12 March 2025.) - Online:Ìý8 – 9 April 2025
(ApplicationsÌýclose 4 April 2025.)
What to Expect
- Engage with the Defence Market:ÌýLearn how to navigate and engage with the defence sector.
- Interactive Activities:ÌýParticipate in hands-on activities to enhance your learning experience.
- Value Proposition Pitch Session:ÌýDevelop and pitch your value proposition for the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Defence Force with feedback from expert panels.
- Expert Feedback:ÌýReceive constructive feedback to refine your business models and commercialisation strategies.
Purpose
These workshops aim to support innovators in understanding the defence market, developing value propositions for the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Defence Force, refining business models, and planning early-stage commercialisation approaches.
Applications for 2025 are NOW OPEN. Apply now!
Applications for Adelaide session close 24 February 2025.
Applications for Canberra sessionÌýclose 12 March 2025.
Applications for online sessionÌýclose 4 April 2025.
Don’t miss this opportunity to kickstart your journey in the defence industry!
Entrepreneurial Foundations for Defence (EFD)
Build the foundations for successful commercialisation
Entrepreneurial Foundations for Defence (EFD) is the fifth phase in the Defence TrailblazerÌý.
Designed to support researchers, innovators and emerging companies with products, services or technology that can provide a capability benefit to our Defence sector, EFD will help you understand what is required for success in the defence market.
Delivered through a mixture of online and in-person sessions, participants gain essential insights to build defence, technology and commercial readiness, along with access to expert mentors and technical specialists.
The program concludes with an opportunity for participants to showcase their innovation(s), in person, to relevant people within the defence market and the venture capital investment community. There will also be a $10,000 grant for each participant in the program to support travel to in-person sessions, and some early-stage business expenses.
Learn more at
2025 Key dates
- 25 March: Applications open
- 30 April: Applications close
- Early May:Ìý Final program details released
- 26 May: Program commences
- 27 May: Kick-off webinar (online)
- 3 – 5 June: On-site session in Adelaide
- 30 July – 1 Aug: On-site session in Canberra
- 1 Aug: Participant Showcase to Industry
- 1 Aug: Program concludes
Please note: the above dates may be subject to change.
Eligibility & additional information
Please note the following requirements for your application.
- You are an ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n citizen or permanent resident
- You have the necessary rights to commercialise the Intellectual Property associated with your research idea, innovation or technology
- You are (or will be) eligible to apply for ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥nÌýÌý(DISP) accreditation to a level appropriate to your proposal
- You must not be precluded under the requirements of theÌý
- A business entity resulting from this activity must be majority ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n-owned
- Commitment to provide end-of-program financial reconciliation against eligible expenditure is required.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE WED 30 APRIL 2025