Defence – Page 2 – WA Innovation Calendar

DEADLINE: Defence Industry Development Grants Sovereign Industrial Priorities Stream

The Defence Industry Development Grants Program will fund small to medium enterprises to build Australia’s sovereign capability, global competitiveness, technical superiority and national security.

Sovereign Industrial Priorities Stream supports SMEs to purchase manufacturing plant and equipment which is used directly to develop and/or deliver programs that are in line with the Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities (SDIPs) described in the Defence Industry Development Strategy. Deadline 31 August

The Skilling stream helps Australian defence industry to upskill and train in priority trade, technical and professional skillsets to develop a workforce with the right mix of qualified and experienced personnel to meet Defence requirements. The program will enhance the capacity and capability of Australian defence industry workforce to deliver SDIPs described in the Defence Industry Development Strategy.

The Exports stream provides support for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to overcome export barriers and help defence industry build scale and competitiveness in defence capability priority areas as identified by the SDIPs described in the Defence Industry Development Strategy.

The Security stream helps Australian defence industry improve and maintain security in priority areas as identified by the SDIPs and in line with the Defence Industry Security Program.

WA | Building The New Defence-Tech Economy

As global strategic uncertainty intensifies and advanced technologies become central to both defence capability and economic strength, Australia faces critical choices about building sovereign capability, resilient supply chains and globally competitive defence‑tech industries.

This conversation brings together government, industry, investors and the community to explore how AUKUS Pillar II creates new commercial opportunities across AI, quantum, cyber, electronic warfare and undersea systems, how SMEs can cross the commercial “valley of death” from R&D to revenue, and how Western Australia can position itself as a globally competitive hub for defence‑tech, talent and investment in the decade ahead.

SCOPE 2026 – Supply Chain Opportunities & Procurement Engagement

SCOPE is presented by CCIWA in partnership with ICN Western Australia — two organisations with a combined track record of connecting WA businesses to the projects and people that matter.

Join us for our inaugural SCOPE event which will bring together 400+ procurement managers, project owners, prime contractors and government representatives from WA’s energy, defence and resources – in one room, for one day.

Hear directly what the Government is prioritising and be seen by the ministers who matter to your sector. Project proponents will provide briefs live on upcoming work, procurement timelines and capability requirements. Structured and open networking is designed to connect suppliers directly with decision-makers.

DEADLINE: Defence West EOI (Western Defence Forge)

An Expression of Interest (EOI) to understand WA’s capability across defence-related manufacturing and supply chains opens on 26 May and closes on 8 July 2026.

Defence West invites industry and research organisations to respond to the EOI to help shape Western Australia’s contribution to defence-related manufacturing and supply chain capability.

Responses are welcomed from organisations with existing or emerging capabilities that could contribute to defence related manufacturing and supply chains, including (but not limited to):

Prime contractors and major suppliers
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
Research organisations and universities
Enabling sectors (advanced manufacturing, materials, electronics, test & evaluation, safety/quality systems, logistics and sustainment)

Respondents must be headquartered in WA, operate in WA, or demonstrate a clear pathway to establishing capability, partnerships or supply chain activity within the state.

WiDA WA Networking Evening

Join the Women in Defence Association (WiDA) WA community for an evening of purposeful networking ahead of IODS.

This event brings together professionals from across the defence and national security ecosystem to strengthen connections, exchange insights, and build relationships that support capability across the sector — all within a relaxed and accessible environment.

Innovating in Defence Webinar (exclusive for Defence members)

Uniformed innovators face additional considerations when pursuing innovation pathways, including:

ADF innovation pathways
Intellectual property (IP)
Conflicts of interest
Funding and financial considerations
Defence Trailblazer 2026 programs

This webinar will provide practical insights and real-world perspectives to support informed decision making throughout the innovation journey.

Expression of interest to attend

DEADLINE: Defence Trailblazer Commercialisation Bootcamp (Online)

Are you a researcher or innovator with minimal commercialisation experience? Gain valuable entrepreneurship insights and connect with experienced professionals and defence industry experts with the Defence Trailblazer Commercialisation Bootcamp

Format: 2-day intensive workshops
Delivery: Across Australia, both in-person (Adelaide & Canberra) and online
Date for Online Bootcamp: 17-18 June 2026
Cost: Free

What to Expect

Engage with the Defence Market: Learn how to navigate and engage with the defence sector.
Interactive Activities: Participate in hands-on activities to enhance your learning experience.
Value Proposition Pitch Session: Develop and pitch your value proposition for the Australian Defence Force with feedback from expert panels.
Expert Feedback: Receive constructive feedback to refine your business models and commercialisation strategies.

Purpose

These workshops aim to support innovators in understanding the defence market, developing value propositions for the Australian Defence Force, refining business models, and planning early-stage commercialisation approaches.

Submit Your Application by 18 May 2026

Public Event: Defence Innovation on Tap

Truth Under Attack: Understanding Information and Cognitive Warfare and How Research and Innovation are Responding.

The Defence Science Centre and Western Australia’s Team WA Universities including – The University of Western Australia, Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University and Curtin University, warmly invite you to join us for the launch of a new event series, Defence Innovation on Tap.

Over the coming year, this series will deliver four free, public events hosted in local venues across Perth. Each session will showcase how WA universities, together with their defence and industry partners, are addressing complex technological and capability challenges to help build a safer and more resilient state, nation, and global community.

Designed for a broad audience, the discussion will be presented in accessible language, making it an ideal opportunity to gain new insights while connecting with colleagues from across the defence, research, and wider community sectors.

Henderson Alliance May 2026 IODS Event

Join us for an easygoing networking event alongside IODS 2026, bringing together professionals from across the defence, marine and industrial ecosystem.

Whether you are reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting new ones, this is your chance to make the most of IODS while enjoying a great atmosphere with the Henderson Alliance community.

iiF 2026 | Innovative Industries of the Future

Innovative Industries of the Future (iiF) 2026 puts defence and advanced manufacturing at the heart of Western Australia’s regional growth story.

Held over four days in Bunbury, iiF brings together industry, government, academia, and investors to explore the opportunities emerging from the South West Defence Hub, the rapid rise of automation, robotics, and additive manufacturing. This sits alongside three further pillars powering the South West forward, agritech, energy, and the circular economy, with enablers spanning artificial intelligence and critical technologies, workforce, First Nations engagement, and construction.

Hosted by the South West Development Commission at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, the program runs from Monday to Thursday:

Monday 26 October: Industry tours across the South West, including the Collie Just Transition and Bunbury Waterfront, revealing live projects on the ground.

Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 October: Two main conference days with keynotes from Dr Jordan Nguyen and Dr Renee Wootton Tomlin, distinguished panels, concurrent workshops, an investment showcase, robotics demonstrations, and a youth workforce finale. Evenings bring the Regional Revelry networking function.

Thursday 29 October: Board Room Discussions, where senior leaders and experts tackle the region’s complex challenges and help clarify the path forward.

Theme: From innovation to impact, driving transformation and industry opportunities in regional hubs and communities.