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Defence Science Centre – CRG Application Workshop

This session is intended for researchers and industry partners interested in developing Defence-relevant solutions that enhance operational resilience and sustainment capability in challenging and contested environments.

This workshop will provide an overview of the current CRG funding opportunity, which focuses on Logistics Under Conflict. The grant seeks innovative research solutions to strengthen Defence’s ability to sustain operations in remote, northern, maritime, austere and contested environments, where supply chains, infrastructure, health support and decision-making may be disrupted by distance, climate impacts or adversary action.

Participants will gain valuable insight into Defence priorities and funding requirements, including how proposed projects can deliver measurable sustainment outcomes such as reducing resupply requirements, improving logistics resilience, accelerating decision-making, enhancing infrastructure recovery, extending the shelf life of critical supplies, and strengthening treatment and support capabilities in the field.

The workshop will also examine the five grant research priority areas:

  • Decision advantage under disruption
  • Physical infrastructure resilience
  • Disrupted health support
  • Critical supply sovereignty, preservation and substitution
  • Demand reduction at the point of need

The Collaborative Research Grant (CRG) supports cross-disciplinary collaboration between researchers and industry to address Defence Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) priorities and contribute to Australian Defence Force (ADF) capability. Through the CRG, the Defence Science Centre (DSC) works in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) to enable the research and industry sectors to develop advanced and asymmetric capabilities in key technology areas. The program is jointly funded by the Western Australian Government and DSTG.

DEADLINE: Exercise Western Dawn 2026 Participation

Edith Cowan University invites expressions of interest from industry professionals, researchers, academics, higher degree by research candidates, university students, engineers, technologists, software developers, roboticists, cyber specialists, and innovators to participate in Exercise Western Dawn 2026 (Ex WD 26). Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to design and develop a robotic solution capable of operating in a complex environment where land, water and technology intersect.

Teams will explore challenges including:

  • Human-robot teaming
  • Autonomous and remotely operated systems
  • Navigation and obstacle negotiation
  • Sensor integration and data collection
  • Electronic signature management
  • Mission planning and decision support
  • Payload delivery and logistics support
  • Systems integration under operational constraints

Building on the success of previous Western Dawn innovation activities, ExWD 26 represents a significant evolution from concept generation into the practical development, testing and demonstration of human / robotic capability. Participants will work alongside Defence personnel, researchers and industry experts to tackle a realistic and challenging mission-focused problem through the design, integration and testing of robotic and autonomous systems.

This is an opportunity to move beyond theory and into applied innovation.

  • EOI CLOSE: 12 August 2026
  • TEAM FORMATION: 28 August 2026
  • INNOVATION SPRINT: 31 Aug – 4 Sept 2026
  • PITCH DAY: 11 Sept 2026

Subsea Controls Down Under Conference 2026

The Perth branch of the Society for Underwater Technology host their 8th Subsea Controls technical conference and Exhibition

This international conference in the field of Subsea Controls & Data Acquisition is aimed at those engaged in the control, monitoring & distribution of subsea systems. The conference provides a unique forum for operators and suppliers of subsea controls & umbilical systems, topside distributed control systems and downhole technologies to network and exchange views and experiences.

The aim of this conference is to bring together the many diverse disciplines engaged internationally in Controls and Umbilical technology, to share experiences and discuss regional challenges, as well as new advances in global subsea technology. The conference will provide the opportunity for subsea energy professionals to showcase ways of bringing new ideas and technology to provide operational cost savings, and from an operator’s & suppliers viewpoint how we can learn from experiences locally and internationally.

The conference provides an ideal networking opportunity for all types of professions who are working within the subsea energy related industry including Australian based and international operators, manufacturers/suppliers of technology products, engineering organisations, service companies and educational establishments to come together to share information on operational experiences as well as learning of new technologies.

SUT ETM: Defence in the Subsea Domain

The Society for Underwater Technology invite you to the August 2026 Evening Technical Meeting.

Presentations include:

  • BEYOND THE WATERLINE: SOFTWARE-DEFINED AUTONOMY FOR DEFENCE AND COMMERCIAL SUBSEA MISSIONS, ZAC PULLEN, GREENROOM ROBOTICS

This presentation will explore how Greenroom Robotics is applying software-defined maritime autonomy to make the surface layer a more active and capable part of subsea missions. Drawing on demonstrated work across defence and commercial maritime programs, the presentation will discuss how Greenroom’s software platform is being used to support vessel control, situational awareness, mission rehearsal and operational assurance.

  • NUCLEAR OPERATIONS FROM THE US NAVY PERSPECTIVE AND HOW THAT INTEGRATES WITH THE AUSTRALIAN SUPPLY CHAIN, MARK SCHNEIDER, UBH

Mark Schneider will provide a practical overview of the AUKUS submarine enterprise from a US Navy perspective, including the capability and sustainment context for the Virginia-class and the industrial foundations required to support nuclear-powered submarines in Australia. The presentation will also address the importance of ISO 19443 as a framework for nuclear quality management, supply chain assurance, and organisational readiness as Australian industry positions to support the emerging AUKUS enterprise.

  • THE CHALLENGES OF BUILDING A SOVEREIGN NUCLEAR-COMPETENT SUBSEA SME SUPPORT STRUCTURE, SEAN ROBERTSON, FLINDERS UNIVERSITY

Drawing on experience from the UK Defence Nuclear Enterprise, this presentation explores the scale of the workforce challenge facing Australia and the practical steps required to develop sustainable sovereign capability. It will examine the respective roles of government, industry and academia, highlighting opportunities for the maritime and subsea sectors to build on existing expertise and contribute to Australia’s emerging nuclear enterprise. The presentation will also discuss the role of specialist postgraduate education in supporting the next generation of Australia’s nuclear workforce.

AusSRC Community Workshop

AusSRC invites the Australian SKA science community to take part in an upcoming Community Engagement Workshop focused on the AusSRC Science Enabling Projects (ASEPs).

Following the success of the previous ASEP round, this workshop is an opportunity for the community to see AusSRC showcase its projects, and for researchers and project teams to discuss their science goals, explore where AusSRC support could help, and learn more about the types of projects that may be supported through the upcoming ASEP round.

What: Community workshop for researchers interested in AusSRC support for SKA-enabled and SKA-related science

Where: CSIRO Auditorium, Australian Resources Research Centre (ARRC), Perth, and Online

When: Wednesday 12th August, 9am – 3pm AWST

Register by 3 August 2026

Argus Australia Critical Minerals Forum 2026

Argus Australia Critical Minerals Forum 2026 brings together industry leaders, investors, policymakers and market experts to discuss the latest developments in rare earths, lithium, manganese and nickel markets. Gain valuable insights into evolving supply chains, investment trends and Australia’s role in the global energy transition, while networking with key stakeholders across the critical minerals value chain.

Gain insight into the latest developments across rare earths, lithium, manganese and nickel markets, including the impact of China’s export controls, evolving supply chains and Indonesia’s growing influence on global nickel trade. Explore how Australia can strengthen its position in critical minerals supply chains, attract investment and build a globally competitive downstream industry amid shifting geopolitical and market dynamics.

Connect with producers, investors, policymakers and consumers from across the critical minerals value chain and expand your network during the post-event drinks reception.

Date: Wednesday, 19 August, 2026

Time: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM AWST

Locations: The Westin Perth, Cassia and Karri Room (480 Hay St, Perth WA 6000, Australia)

WA DEFENCE REVIEW Industry Networking

A relaxed and enjoyable setting for professionals from the defence, engineering, mining and energy, critical infrastructure,  innovation and other associated sectors to attend and derive value from our networking opportunities.

Event MC

  • Daniel Moss, Defence Industry Advisor, Office of Defence Industry Support

Sponsor

  • Petch Folvig, Managing Director, Little IT Co & Ascend Cyber & Technology

Guest Speakers

  • Henry Johnson, West Australia Regional Chair, Australasian Hydrography Society
  • Jay Sri Kantha, Principal Manufacturing Engineer, H&B Defence
  • Michael Faulkner, Principal Economic Development, City of Cockburn
  • Sammar Abbas, National President, Royal Institution of Naval Architects Australia

DEADLINE: Peel Drone Training Sponsorship Program

As part of this initiative, five sponsorship positions are available for eligible Peel businesses, local government employees, and residents to obtain their Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) through the Drone Innovation Hub.

The Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is Australia’s nationally recognised qualification for operating drones commercially and is rapidly becoming an essential skill across a wide range of industries, including:

Agriculture | Environmental Management | Infrastructure Inspection | Emergency Services | Mining | Construction | Education

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to complete their RePL training for a heavily subsidised fee of AUD $1,895.00.


Applications are open to:

Peel-based businesses | Local government representatives and employees | Residents living within the Peel region

From Ore to Orbit: WA’s Additive Manufacturing Advantage

The Defence Science Centre and Western Australia’s TeamWA universities Edith Cowan University, The University of Western Australia, Murdoch University and Curtin University warmly invite you to join us for the next Defence Innovation on Tap event of 2026.

Edith Cowan University’s Defence Engagement team is pleased to present From Ore to Orbit: WA’s Additive Manufacturing Advantage”, featuring a keynote address by Dr Stephen Sun, Research Scientist with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and a leading expert in additive manufacturing (3D printing) for aerospace and defence applications.

Joined by representatives from WA universities, the discussion will examine how Western Australia can leverage its strengths in critical minerals, engineering expertise, research excellence and industrial capability to develop a nationally significant additive manufacturing ecosystem. As Australia advances the priorities of the National Defence Strategy and the Future Made in Australia agenda, additive manufacturing is emerging as a key enabler of sovereign industrial capability.

This event will explore how greater collaboration between government, industry and academia can help position WA at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, delivering future defence capability, economic growth and innovation.

Wednesday 22nd July 2026 | 5:30pm – 8:00pm | The Albany Room, Victoria Park Hotel, 605 Albany Hwy, Vic Park

Virtual Breach Point: US DoD Market Access Webinar #6

This is an online event series for Australian defence tech founders ready to scale in America.

What John will cover:

  • AUKUS opportunities
  • US Policy and Lobbying
  • Who to contact and how to reach the right decision-makers
  • How to engage with stakeholders in the Political, National Security, and Defence ecosystems