Concept to Sovereign Capability
Transforming defence innovation through a collaborative partnership between the University of Adelaide, University of New South Wales, and partners, with support from the Australian Government's Department of Education.
Applications now open for our Industry Research Program
Applications now open for our Industry Research Program
Be part of the next generation of defence specialists. Study a defence led research degree and gain industry experience as you work on real-world projects.
Benefits include:
- $50,000 p.a. tax-free stipend* and no tuition fees
- Engage in industry embedded placements and professional development mentorship
- Grow your network and publish your research contributions.
* Conditions apply
Limited scholarships available.
Applications close December 2023.
About the Initiative
In collaboration with industry, academic and government partners, Defence Trailblazer aims to strengthen Australia’s defence capabilities with cutting edge technologies and solutions, while equipping the next generation of innovators with specialised knowledge and skills to meet the needs of defence.
Defence Trailblazer consists of two distinct focus areas: Workforce, Innovation and Culture and Technology Development & Acceleration.
Workforce, Innovation & Culture
Skilling the workforce of today and shaping the workforce of tomorrow, supporting the acceleration of ideas into commercial application, and promoting a culture of collaboration between industry and academia.
Technology Development & Acceleration
Accelerating the translation and commercialisation of leading-edge defence technologies and solutions across the following key priority areas:
- Quantum Materials, Technologies & Computing
- Information Warfare & Advanced Cyber Technologies
- Defence Space Technologies
- Defensive Hypersonics & Countermeasures
- Robotics, Autonomous Systems & AI
News & Events
18 Aug 2023
Defence Trailblazer funds project with Silex and SQC in a quantum leap to boost our nation’s defences
Through its Advanced Innovation Fund (AIF), the Defence Trailblazer program will contribute $5.1 million to support the establishment of a Quantum Silicon (Q-Si) Production Plant, which aims to deliver an end-to-end Australian manufacturing facility to produce enriched silicon for silicon quantum computers.
21 Jul 2023
Defence Trailblazer’s upward trajectory
The Defence Trailblazer program is on track to boost Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities by upskilling the workforce and accelerating leading-edge science and technology. Officially launched today by Senator the Hon. Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development, the program is a strategic partnership between the University of Adelaide and UNSW Sydney with support from the Australian Government’s Department of Education.
30 Jun 2023
Industry partners onboard Defence Trailblazer
Over thirty-five industry partners are on a mission to accelerate defence innovation and strengthen our national security by joining forces with the Defence Trailblazer program.
14 Feb 2023
Defence Trailblazer 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.
