The DINAMIC program provided funding, connections, exposure and learnings specific to Defence. Programs like this are essential if we want to incubate and nurture our Defence industrial base and bring asymmetric advantage to the Australian Defence Force.

Daniel Stevens

Seitec

The Entrepreneurial Foundations for Defence program was a pivotal step in UndaTech’s early-stage growth journey. As a veteran-founded company, it provided the structure and mentoring to translate our lived operational experience into scalable innovation for the Defence market. Defence Trailblazer provided not only funding support but also access to networks and expertise that helped us strengthen governance, accelerate product development and prepare for product trials with the Australian Defence Force. Programs like EFD are critical to building sovereign capability at the early stage and ensuring opportunities are created for veteran-led innovation.

Emily Pyke

UndaTech

Being part of EFD opened up connections that have already led to meaningful follow on conversations for my business. The program content was invaluable for learning how to navigate and survive as a startup in Defence.
The showcase was a real highlight, giving me the chance to put my work in front of the right people. Just as valuable was hearing how others were tackling similar challenges, which helped me refine my own approach. Most importantly, it’s helped me take clearer steps towards being able to apply my skills in ways that support the ADF and that's been especially motivating.

Steven Lablack

Prograde Engineering

I would highly recommend the Entrepreneurial Foundations for Defence program; especially for dual Defence and commercial go-to-market. The term sheet negotiation skills were invaluable. We’re meeting with the Department of Defence next week and collaborating with another participating venture from the program.

Martin Hamilton

Solalinx

Wholeheartedly recommend the Entrepreneurial Foundations for Defence program. The Tech Road Map was instrumental in helping us reassess our Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). We're now in discussions with a company specialising in reactive substances testing, as well as a government agency. Through EFD, we’ve reconnected with previous Defence partners, opening new opportunities for collaboration.

Gerrard ‘Eddy’ Poinern

Frontier Materials Technologies

Highly likely to recommend the Entrepreneurial Foundations for Defence program. During the Canberra intensive, the TRL framework and mission engineering insights were transformative. We briefed three Primes within the Australian Defence Global Supply Chain and are continuing online engagement. This should be a standard pathway for SMEs engaging with Defence.

Richard Urwin

Taipan Technologies

I am already recommending the Entrepreneurial Foundations for Defence program to everyone I talk to. The workshops helped us prepare our business for Defence engagement, and our connections with AUS and US Defence have significantly increased.

Sam ‘Bones’ Rathbone

Aquila

I would be highly likely to recommend the Entrepreneurial Foundations for Defence program for dual-case businesses. The program was run professionally and efficiently. We have a meeting scheduled with Defence’s clean energy transition team and strong interest from other Defence contacts.

Sylvia Tokic

Electro Base

I would be extremely likely to recommend the Entrepreneurial Foundations for Defence program. During the Canberra intensive, the term sheet negotiations and hearing Seitec’s experience were invaluable. Since the Canberra Showcase on August 1st, I’ve had meetings with a government agency and may be adopted into their innovative technology program. This course has been a game-changer.

Michael Turnbull

Privacy Seal

Thanks to this program I know what to do in my entrepreneurial journey, which was full of questions and doubts. It gave the right information and experience related to the Australian defence industry sector, but also helped to understand basic aspects of entrepreneurship required for any industry.

Maximiliano Morin

Kinem Robotics

Defence Trailblazer EFD program is the one-stop shop to covert your idea into a fully functioning SME. EFD offers 3 crucial items that no other pre-accelerator on market provides:

1. High quality defence industry entrepreneurial education: to best frame and contextualise and communicate your idea to defence and defence key stakeholders.

2. Active promotion and participation of your SME. Through our networking events, SMEs will be able to interact with defence, defence industry and government, to form long lasting relationships, to drive innovation in the defence industrial base.

3. Initial $10K investment: Incorporate your company, set up structure, get a website, business cards, promo material, initial R&D, travel and accommodation for two 3-day intensives to make you go from idea to action.

Dr Jason Holland

Aurora Materials