Taking Research from
Concept to Sovereign Capability
Transforming defence innovation through a strategic partnership between the University of Adelaide (UoA), the University of NSW (UNSW) and industry partners, with support from the Australian Government Department of Education.
About the Initiative
Defence Trailblazer aims to enhance Australia’s defence and economic security by transforming the way researchers and industry work together to solve real-world problems.
Workforce, Innovation & Culture
Developing workforce capabilities, innovation and a culture of collaboration through UoA and UNSW-led education, engagement and entrepreneurship programs, co-designed with industry partners.
Key objectives:
- Building workforce capabilities
- Fast-tracking innovation
- Driving cultural change
Research & Development Acceleration Projects
Accelerating proven concepts into commercial opportunities through targeted research in five high-priority areas, co-led by UoA and UNSW academics, industry partners and DST Group STaR Shot program leaders.
Key priority areas:
- Quantum Materials, Technologies & Computing
- Information Warfare & Advanced Cyber Technologies
- Defence Space Technologies
- Defensive Hypersonics & Countermeasures
- Robotics, Autonomous Systems & AI
News & Events
14 Feb 2023
Trailblazer defence program formalised
The Defence Trailblazer for Concept to Sovereign Capability program has taken another step in being formalised with the conditions of grant being finalised and the announcement of the board members.
31 Oct 2022
Defence specialist leads Trailblazer
A leading defence industry specialist with more than 30 years’ experience in the sector has been appointed as Executive Director of the Defence Trailblazer for Concept to Sovereign Capability. It is estimated that the project, a partnership between the University of Adelaide and the UNSW, will have a net economic benefit to the Australian economy of $1.5 billion over 10 years.
20 Apr 2022
Universities blaze a trail to commercialise defence research
Today, Wednesday 20 April, the Defence Trailblazer: Concept to Sovereign Capability (CSC) bid, led by the University of Adelaide in partnership with the University of New South Wales, has been endorsed to assist the country’s economic recovery under the Trailblazer Universities Program.
1 Mar 2022
Australia needs to ‘level up’ on research commercialisation
The University of Adelaide’s Professor Mark Hutchinson who is President at Science and Technology Australia (STA) and Director of the Centre for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), will address the National Press Club on why Australia needs to ‘level up’ on research commercialisation – and how to do it.
7 Feb 2022
Trailblazing new opportunities to commercialise defence research
A major defence research commercialisation project between the University of Adelaide and the University of New South Wales is one of just eight proposals shortlisted for the Federal Government’s new $242.7 million Trailblazer Universities program.
28 Jan 2022
Trailblazing universities shortlisted to boost economic recovery
Ground-breaking research commercialisation proposals across the six national manufacturing priority areas, including food and beverage, recycling and clean energy, defence, medical products, space and resources and critical technology, are among those to be shortlisted to play a leading role in securing Australia’s economic recovery.
24 Nov 2021
Trailblazer Universities to build jobs of the future
Four new research and industry hubs will lead Australia’s breakthroughs in critical national manufacturing priorities.
