Defence Trailblazer hosted its final Commercialisation & Collaboration Masterclass for 2025 in Sydney on 29 October, bringing together university researchers, PhD candidates, and professional staff for a dynamic half-day session. The event focused on the practical realities of commercialising university research and building effective collaborations with industry.
Professor of Data Science at the University of Adelaide, Lewis Mitchell’s research lies at the intersection of data science, computer science and mathematical modelling.
“I’m interested in how information flows over social networks and studying how online posts can lead people to influence each other on social networks,” says Professor Mitchell, who leads two Defence Trailblazer industry projects.
Data security innovator GuardWare has launched the encryption software suite PROTECT, a world-first solution that can persistently protect sensitive data while in use. The software allows data to flow securely up and down the supply chain and be destroyed by the document owner at any time as needed.
The Quantum Silicon project – a collaboration between Silex Systems Limited, Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC) and UNSW Sydney – has been awarded Best Industry-Research collaboration by Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia. The strategic collaboration is supported by $5.1 million from Defence Trailblazer’s Advanced Innovation Fund.
Associate Professor Sushmita Ruj is the Faculty of Engineering Lead at the UNSW Institute for Cybersecurity (IFCYBER). With expertise in cryptography and privacy enhancing technologies, her interest in research for Defence developed organically.
“Through my involvement with Defence Trailblazer, I am building stronger relationships with defence organisations and exploring options to develop sovereign capabilities for Australian defence,” says Associate Professor Ruj.
Defence Trailblazer hosted a University-Industry Masterclass in Adelaide on 24 September, bringing together researchers, PhD candidates, and professional staff. The half-day session focused on the practical realities of commercialising university research and building effective collaborations with industry. Held in person, the event fostered open dialogue and shared learning across disciplines and career stages.
A Defence Trailblazer collaborative project with Space Machines Company and the University of Adelaide’s AI for Space Group has reached a major milestone, building Australia’s first orbital robotics testbed at its state-of-the-art space simulation facilities at the University of Adelaide.
UndaTech has signed a project agreement to test high-performance, fire-resistant undergarments tailored to the needs of female Defence personnel, supported by the Defence’s Trailblazer’s Technology Development & Acceleration program.
“These garments are designed to mitigate health risks for women in frontline roles,” said UndaTech Founder and ADF veteran Emily Pyke.