Australia plans $4 million defence ‘pitch day’

The Australian government will continue fast-tracking the development and deployment of innovative defence technologies through a $4 million ‘pitch day’ that also underscores a commitment to investing in a future made in Australia. The pitch day is an initiative of the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) which was established as a critical conduit for providing the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with a capability edge. The theme of the pitch day, the first of two that will be held annually, is ‘innovative asymmetric advantage’, which refers to disruptive technology that can have a deterrence effect. Industry will have the opportunity to respond to an expression of interest and selected companies will be invited to pitch their technology or ideas to a Defence panel during the Australian Defence Science, Technology and Research (ADSTAR) Summit which will be held from 17-19 September. Following the pitch day, ASCA will invite successful participants to respond to development contracts valued at up to $750,000 each through a competitive process. The total value of the development contracts on offer is up to $4 million. ASCA focusses on transitioning game-changing ideas into Defence capabilities. It will unlock innovation from across the nation, bringing together the best experts from different sectors – driving change from within Defence to move at the pace and scale we need. This will mean faster acquisition and better links between Defence and industry to deliver the capabilities needed by the soldiers, sailors and aviators of the ADF. The expression of interest period will be open until 22 July 2024. More information is available at https://www.asca.gov.au. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “With this week marking ASCA’s first anniversary, it’s only fitting we announce the inaugural pitch day, underscoring our commitment to supporting industry and ensuring our ADF personnel are equipped with the capabilities they need. One year after the establishment of ASCA, we’re already seeing initiatives and local innovators getting the support they need to help grow our sovereign industrial base and contribute to a future made in Australia.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact : Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]