Defence Trailblazer’s International Pathways Program (IPP) concluded with an event that brought together Australian innovators and representatives from some of the world’s most influential defence Primes, creating a platform for export-focused discussions, capability showcasing and future collaboration opportunities.
Designed to support Defence Trailblazer partners and DINAMIC participants in strengthening their export readiness, the IPP focused on knowledge exchange, capability uplift and network activation for Australian companies preparing to engage with international markets.
Throughout the program, participants gained practical insights into export and international market entry through a series of expert-led webinars. Topics included geostrategic context, tax considerations and risk management, international accreditation, culture and collateral for international markets and specific market access requirements. It included Australian government support with representatives from Austrade and Team Defence Australia, equipping participants with a stronger understanding of the requirements and opportunities associated with international growth.
The program culminated in the IPP Partner Connect event on 3 August 2026, where participants met directly with representatives from 10 major defence organisations and prime contractors, including Babcock Australasia, BAE Systems, Boeing, HII Australia, Moog, Northrop Grumman Australia, Raytheon Australia, Rheinmetall Defence Australia, Saab Australia and Thales Australia. Representatives included global supply chain leaders from Boeing in Seattle, alongside senior stakeholders responsible for supplier engagement and capability sourcing.
Twelve Australian companies participated in a series of structured one-on-one meetings, enabling direct conversations about technologies, capabilities and potential pathways into domestic and international defence and dual-use supply chains. Participating companies included AICRAFT, Aurora Materials, Chief Fluid Systems, GuardWare Australia, InVision Tactical Group, Inovor Technologies, Jackal Industries, Panop, Priori Analytica, Reach Robotics, Taipan Technologies and Your Brain Health.
Across twelve facilitated connection sessions, participants engaged with multiple prime contractors, receiving valuable feedback on their capabilities, learning more about procurement priorities and identifying opportunities for future engagement. The format enabled meaningful discussions that would otherwise be difficult for early-stage and scaling companies to access.
The event highlighted the importance of connecting Australian innovators directly with organisations that have significant influence across allied defence supply chains. By bringing together technology developers, manufacturers and Primes in a targeted setting, the IPP helped participants build the relationships and market awareness needed to pursue export opportunities with greater confidence.
“The information gained from presenters and meetings clarified planning for an overseas market evaluation. Our companies overseas export plan has been heavily influenced by the information gained from the Partner Connect sessions.” said Peter Lightowler, Founder and CEO of InVision Tactical Group, highlighting the value of the IPP Partner Connect sessions.
As the 2026 program concludes, the connections established through Partner Connect are expected to continue generating opportunities for collaboration, commercialisation and supply chain integration.
Through initiatives such as the IPP, Defence Trailblazer has supported Australian technology companies to build defence and dual-use capabilities, strengthen international networks, and position themselves for success in global markets. With Defence Trailblazer scheduled to close at the end of 2026, IPP will become a key element of the Australian Defence Industry Incubator (AUSDII). We are now seeking funding partners to ensure the continued delivery of cutting-edge innovation programs like IPP, enabling Australia’s defence and dual-use innovators to scale globally and accelerate sovereign asymmetric advantage. Register your interest.
