Innovators across Australia’s defence ecosystem are invited to put their ideas forward, with submissions now open for the Avalon 2027 Innovation Pitchfest and Awards.
Held as part of the Avalon Australian International Airshow (23–28 February 2027), the Innovation Pitchfest and Awards provides a national platform for Australian innovators, companies, organisations and emerging talent to showcase defence-relevant ideas, technologies and innovations.
The program is designed to recognise and support forward-thinking innovation, giving successful finalists the opportunity to present their ideas to expert judges and a highly engaged industry audience of potential investors, customers, collaborators, capability developers and primes.
Finalists will be invited to present their innovation live at Avalon 2027, with winners announced as part of the Innovation Pitchfest and Awards program.
Submissions are open across four award categories:
Winners of the first three categories will each receive a $30,000 cash prize, while the winner of the Blue-Sky Thinking Innovation Award will receive $10,000 to contribute to further personal and innovation development. All winners will also receive a trophy. A Best Presenter Award will also be presented on the day, recognising outstanding delivery with a trophy prize.
For SMEs, research institutions, emerging technology developers and defence-aligned organisations in the Hunter region, this is a valuable opportunity to gain national exposure, validate your innovation and connect directly with primes, investors and defence stakeholders.
Submissions open: Tuesday 12 May 2026
Submissions close: Thursday 1 October 2026, 1700 AEDT
Finalists announced: Week commencing 26 October 2026
Innovation Pitchfest and Awards: Tuesday 23 February 2027, 1330 – 1500
Hunter Defence encourages local SMEs, regional innovators and defence-aligned organisations to consider applying and to showcase the strength of capability emerging from our region.
For further information, eligibility requirements and submission details, visit the Avalon 2027 Innovation Pitchfest and Awards webpage: https://airshow.com.au/trade/initiatives/innovation-2027/
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