8:50

OPENING |Opening remarks from the Chair

9:00

Keynote | Enhancing Defence capability through AUKUS

• Advancements in next-generation weapons technology
• Integrating AI into Defence capability
• Collaboration and interoperability with AUKUS partners

Steve Moore, First Assistant Secretary AUKUS Advanced Capabilities, Department of Defence

9:30

Keynote | Defence industry collaboration and innovation under AUKUS Pillar II

• Key programs and partnerships aimed at advancing defence industry opportunities
• International engagement and market access
• Regulatory frameworks and challenges

David Nockels, First Assistant Secretary Defence Trade, Regulation and Industrial Collaboration, Department of Defence

10:00

Panel Discussion | Enhancing our technological edge

• Major challenges in research, development, and innovation for Australian Defence manufacturers
• Workforce issues impacting future growth
• What excites us most about AUKUS?

Matt Hill, CEO, Hypersonix Launch Systems
Dr Navinda Kottege, Research Director, CSIRO’s Data 61
William Infante, Technology Innovation Lead, Navantia Australia

10:45

Morning Tea and Networking Break

11:15

Military Innovation and Research: Shaping the Future of Defence with Advanced Technologies

• Exploring the impact of AI, autonomous systems and space capabilities on modern Defence strategies
• Investment and collaboration between Defence, academia and industry
• How innovation in military technology can improve resource utilisation and readiness
• Global partnerships in research and innovation

Lee Goddard, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Missile Corporation

11:35

Taking a Truly Sovereign Approach to Defence Procurement

• Adopting the Future Made in Australia policy for Defence acquisition
• Enhancing sovereign defence capability through local prime contractors
• How local companies are best- equipped to steer large Defence contracts
• Fundraising strategies for Australian defence businesses

Oleg Vornik, CEO, DroneShield

11:55

Panel Discussion | Workforce challenges arising from AUKUS

• 20,000 jobs. What’s the breakdown and where will the workers come from?
• Delivering tailored education, training, and skilling for submarine workforce
• Developing the pipeline of highly skilled STEM graduates

Anna Murray, President, AIDN NSW

12:30

Lunch

13:00

Panel Discussion | Research and academia’s role in the success of AUKUS Pillar II

• Importance of R&D in driving innovation and technological development
• Universities and research institutions involvement in defence capability
• Bilateral agreements and collaboration with partners
• Funding and support for research

Prof Peter Schubel. Executive Director – Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences, University of Southern Queensland
Dr Usman Mohammed, Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO’s Data 61

13:40

Export opportunities under AUKUS Pillar II

• Improving the resilience of defence supply chains
• Enhancing Australia’s manufacturing capability through technology transfers, talent sharing and streamlined regulation
• Broadening access to global supply chains

Anamika Mishra, Director, Defence, Advanced Manufacturing and Space, Austrade

14:00

Afternoon Tea & Networking Break

14:30

MINISTERIAL ADDRESS |

The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong, Minister for Industry and Trade

15:00

Space and its strategic role in AUKUS Pillar II

• How will space assets support and contribute to AUKUS Pillar II objectives?
• Enhancing Space Domain Awareness
• Integrating emerging technologies into space operations
• Challenges for joint operation and interoperability in the space domain

David Ball, Regional Director – Australia & New Zealand, Lockheed Martin Space

15:25

Panel Discussion | Bolstering cyber capabilities and enhanced collaboration through AUKUS Pillar II

• What is the current state of cyber threats and the strategic significance of improving cyber capability
• Government – Industry partnerships
• The importance of cyber capability as a modern warfare domain
• Ethical and legal considerations

Tony Nicholls, Director AUKUS Space Defence, CGI Technologies
Dr Surya Nepal, Senior Principal Research Scientist. CSIRO’s Data 61

16:10 

End of Conference and Networking Drinks

16:20

Closing remarks from the Chair