13 September 2024
World leaders in research and innovation will explore the art of the possible when they gather for the Australian Defence Science, Technology and Research (ADSTAR) Summit from September 17 to 19 in Canberra.
The theme of this year’s summit is ‘Accelerating the delivery of asymmetric defence capabilities’ and the vision is to drive capability development and acquisition pathways to deliver new technology to the ADF.
ADSTAR will provide a platform for relationships to be formed and strengthened across Defence, government, industry and academia in Australia and internationally.
Chief Defence Scientist Tanya Monro said the insights shared and partnerships made would support collaborations that align with Defence priorities.
These will encompass the six innovation, science and technology priorities outlined in the National Defence Strategy: trusted autonomy, quantum technology, information warfare, long-range fires, hypersonics and directed energy.
“We have created ADSTAR to accelerate the type of collaboration our strategic environment demands,” Professor Monro said.
The summit will also allow participants to engage with Defence’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), and to learn how Defence is transitioning game-changing ideas into Defence capabilities at speed.
More than 20 companies will pitch their innovative ideas at ASCA’s inaugural Pitch Day, to be held at ADSTAR, with finalists announced at the gala dinner.
Pitch Day is an initiative of the Defence Industry Development Strategy and is a chance for industry representatives to present their ideas to a Defence panel, including senior Defence personnel, venture capitalists and primes.
Head ASCA Professor Emily Hilder said showcasing innovative ideas at Pitch Day could potentially lead to further development with Defence sponsorship through ASCA.
ADSTAR will run from September 17 to 19 at the National Convention Centre in Canberra. Register at the official event website.
