A new program designed to accelerate entry into South Australia’s growing space and defence sectors will launch this July, equipping researchers, engineers and aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and connections to turn ideas into viable ventures.
Delivered by the Innovation & Collaboration Centre (ICC) at Adelaide University, Venture Launchpad: Space and Defence will run on 16 and 17 July 2026, directly ahead of the Australian Space Forum. The program is open to participants at any stage of development including those with no prior startup experience.
The initiative comes at a time of strong growth across both sectors, with South Australia continuing to build on its reputation as a national hub for innovation.
The state’s defence industry contributed $2 billion in economic value over the past financial year, with the workforce projected to grow by more than 10,000 over the next two decades as AUKUS submarine construction ramps up.
At the same time, a $20 million State Government investment in a space common user facility at the Lot Fourteen precinct will support companies to assemble, integrate and test space technologies within a rapidly expanding ecosystem.
Programs like Venture Launchpad are helping South Australia turn its growing capability into real business outcomes. They support local innovators to build the skills, networks and confidence needed to work in complex defence and space markets, helping to bring new technologies to market.
Associate Director of Business Incubation at Adelaide University Craig Jones said the program addresses a clear barrier to entry in both sectors.
“Breaking into the space and defence industries is hard; they are complex, highly regulated and many people spend months or years working on their ideas without truly understanding how the ecosystem works,” Mr Jones said.
“This program addresses that gap directly, offering structured frameworks, honest expert input and the kind of industry access that is otherwise difficult to come by.”
Over the two-day program, participants will work through practical frameworks to define the problem they are solving, understand pathways to commercialisation, develop a business model and build a 30-day validation plan.
Participants will also gain access to mentors, industry experts and government partners not typically available to early-stage founders, leaving with clear next steps on whether to pursue, pivot or refine their ideas.
Applications are now open for the inaugural Venture Launchpad: Space and Defence program.
Learn more and apply for Venture Launchpad: Space and Defence.
