Defence Trailblazer’s programs and partners have been recognised in the 2026 Defence Teaming Centre Defence Industry Awards in the Collaboration category.
The finalists in the Collaboration category are:
- Adelaide University & UNSW: DINAMIC Program
- Praetorian Aeronautics & Defence Traiblazer: CEREBRUM R&D project
“The quality of this year’s award entries highlights once again the depth of expertise in our defence industry,” said Defence Teaming Centre CEO Libby Day.
“Congratulations to all our finalists, and to all who submitted a nomination. We look forward to showcasing these finalists across the coming months and announcing the winners in each category, at the Defence Teaming Centre Defence Industry Dinner and Awards Ceremony on December 3.”
DINAMIC recognised for contribution to Australia’s innovation system
DINAMIC was developed to empower innovators – including founders, researchers, ADF veterans and actively serving personnel – to establish themselves as sovereign capability providers. The award-winning program equips innovators with the skills, networks and pathways required to succeed in Defence.
This nomination recognises the collaboration between the Trailblazer universities, Adelaide University and UNSW, funded through the Department of Education’s Trailblazer Universities Program, and delivery partners representing Defence, industry and investors:
• RD Consulting • Phase Alpha • Australian Centre for Business Growth • Office of Defence Industry Support • LawForce Alpha • Campus Plus • Axia Dynamis
Praetorian Aeronautics nominated for advancing R&D in autonomous defence systems
Defence Trailblazer partner Praetorian Aeroanutics is advancing its counter-autonomy capability CEREBRUM through a collaboration with Adelaide University researchers, supported by funding from Defence Trailblazer’s Advanced Innovation Fund.
This nomination recognises the capability’s potential to help the ADF and its allies effectively defend against current and emerging Uncrewed Autonomous Systems, as well as facilitating research-industry collaboration and supporting Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector.
The CEREBRUM project is led by Praetorian founder & CEO Brett Hill and university chief investigator Professor Claudia Szabo. Read more about the project.
Collaborations like these provide broad benefit to Australian sovereign capabilities by uplifting Defence and dual-use companies and facilitating skills transfer between research and industry — helping to secure the future pipeline for Australian’s defence industry workforce.
Winners will be announced at the 2026 Industry Dinner and Awards at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 3 December.
