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More than 30 of Australia’s most promising defence technology innovators have taken part in the three-day Entrepreneurial Foundations for Defence (EFD) Intensive event in Adelaide, marking the launch of Defence Trailblazer’s latest cohort in its innovation program.
The EFD program, a three-month initiative beginning mid-year, is designed to fast-track participants’ understanding of the defence landscape, build collaborative networks, and deepen engagement with Australia’s defence innovation ecosystem. Delivered through a mix of online webinars and in-person sessions in Adelaide and Canberra, the program covers defence readiness, technology maturity, and commercial viability.
Twenty ventures have been selected for the competitive 2025 EFD cohort, having progressed through earlier phases of Defence Trailblazer’s DINAMIC commercialisation pathway. Select ventures will progress to advanced stages of the program.
Among them is Michael Turnbull, founder of cyber security startup Privacy Seal, who praised the early experience: “The course has been invaluable, the staff are fantastic, and I’ve really enjoyed the networking opportunities with like-minded people.”
The Adelaide EFD Intensive featured hands-on workshops, expert-led sessions and networking opportunities, supported by 20 mentors drawn from the defence industry and innovation sector, including several past EFD alumni.
“The innovation emerging from this program proves what’s possible when you combine sharp minds with structured support,” said Jason Hardie, co-founder and CEO of Digital Village, who returned as a mentor. “Helping these ideas move from lab to market is not only rewarding – it’s how we future-proof our economy and national resilience.”
The event opened with a value proposition workshop and a panel on structuring ventures for Defence engagement and investment. A major focus of EFD is preparing participants to confidently engage with Defence stakeholders.
Sessions included Defence-specific test and evaluation, risk reduction strategies and how to successfully market to Defence, including preparing quad charts and standing out at defence industry expos.
Participants took part in a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Challenge and developed their technical roadmaps. Further workshops focused on business model development and resourcing strategies.
“The TRL exercise and roadmap planning were something I’d been wanting to do with our engineers for some time – and we found the process incredibly valuable,” said Sylvia Tokic, co-founder and CEO of Electro Base, a West Australian renewable energy company developing capabilities for Defence.
“This year’s EFD Intensive provided each venture with the tools, insights and relationships they need to navigate the defence innovation space and grow with confidence,” said Liz Kobold, innovation portfolio manager at Defence Trailblazer.
Mentors provided tailored support during a high-impact Mentor Connect session.
“I find these one-on-one meetings to be the most valuable – it’s where we understand the human journey from good idea to bold action,” said Dr Catherine Bair, CEO of Bair Trax and long-time mentor in the program.
“The 1:1 mentoring sessions were a real highlight – thought-provoking, practical, and full of potential,” added Ash Langdon, director at NVISIA. “It was a privilege to support these forward-thinking businesses as they refined their strategies for engaging Defence, expanded their governance frameworks, and targeted new markets.”
Paul Smith, business development manager at Australian Defence Consultancy Group, described his mentoring experience as energising: “I engaged with 10 early-stage ventures bringing bold, innovative thinking to the table. The calibre of ideas and the passion behind each startup are clear signs of the rising talent in Australia’s defence innovation ecosystem.”
Other highlights from the intensive included a professional photo session and a series of networking mixers, where participants connected with Defence Trailblazer staff, industry mentors, investors, and defence sector representatives.
“Programs like EFD are critical to accelerating capability development and ensuring emerging ventures are ready to contribute to Australia’s sovereign defence goals,” said Smith. “It’s inspiring to support these entrepreneurs as they explore the defence supply chain and enhance both their commercial and technical readiness.”
Looking ahead, Paul Daly, entrepreneurship program manager at Defence Trailblazer, said: “We’re excited to continue building momentum through EFD, with further sessions ahead and the program culminating in the EFD Showcase in Canberra on 1 August.”
For more details on the EFD 2025 cohort and to register for the showcase, visit the website here.
