AUKUS partners launch Innovation Challenge 2025

AUKUS partners have released the trilateral AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge 2025, connecting partner governments to the very best technology across industrial and innovation sectors to deliver cutting-edge capabilities to defence forces. The AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge 2025 seeks innovative solutions from industry and research institutions around the world to provide capability with a focus on undersea communications and control of autonomous systems. First held in 2024, the AUKUS Innovation Challenge series brings together the AUKUS innovation systems, so that capability can be rapidly developed and shared securely for the collective benefit of AUKUS partners. Australia’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) will lead the Australian component, and work with the United Kingdom’s Defence and Security Accelerator and United States’ Defense Innovation Unit. In February 2025, Advanced Design Technology and Penten entered into contracts with ASCA, following successful participation in last year’s AUKUS Electronic Warfare Innovation Challenge. The contracts, valued at a combined A$8 million, support the development and demonstration of electronic warfare prototypes that address Australian Defence Force operating requirements. Major General Hugh Meggitt, Head of Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, said: “The launch of the AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge 2025 demonstrates how ASCA, industry and research sectors, with AUKUS partners are working to get the best of advanced capabilities to our warfighters faster.” Stephen Moore, First Assistant Secretary AUKUS Advanced Capabilities, said: “It is fantastic to see AUKUS partners continue to harness the strength of our collective innovation ecosystems, to deliver best-of-breed technologies for our militaries.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]