Defence Trailblazer partner Hullbot secures AUD $16 million in venture capital funding
Australian ocean robotics company Hullbot has raised USD $10.6 million (AUD $16 million) to accelerate the global rollout of its autonomous ship-cleaning systems.
News & Events
Northrop Grumman completes Hollow Core Optical Fibres project for next gen gyroscopes
Northrop Grumman celebrates the successful completion of the proof-of-concept phase of its Hollow Core Optical Fibre project, delivered in partnership with the University of Adelaide and supported by funding from Defence Trailblazer’s Technology Development & Acceleration portfolio.
Gallery: Commercialisation & Collaboration Masterclass – Sydney
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.
Researcher Spotlight: Professor Lewis Mitchell
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.
Defence Trailblazer partner GuardWare launches world-first solution to eliminate data theft permanently
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.
Quantum Silicon project by Silex Systems, SQC and UNSW wins best Industry-Research Collaboration in Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia Awards
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.
Researcher Spotlight: Associate Professor Sushmita Ruj
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.
Gallery: Commercialisation & Collaboration Masterclass – Adelaide
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.