Delivering science and expertise that straight helps the Defence mission is a central focus of the Australian Defence Science, Technology and Research Summit (ADSTAR), with ‘Mission Driven’ recognized as one of many summit’s core themes.
Science and expertise delivers the best worth when guided by clear mission intent. Aligning analysis and innovation to Defence missions ensures each thought has a pathway to influence.
This focus will probably be mirrored throughout the ADSTAR 2026 program, together with by means of the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) Pitch Day, the place slicing‑edge concepts are examined towards operational challenges dealing with the Australian Defence Force.
“Mission‑driven innovation is about ensuring our investment in science and technology delivers outcomes that matter to the warfighter,” Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro mentioned.
“Providing clarity on the mission we are solving for enables concepts to move with purpose from research to real operational impact.”
ASCA’s mission is to speed up the event and transition of uneven capabilities to the ADF by means of innovation with a view to meet Defence precedence wants.
ASCA head Major General Hugh Meggitt mentioned the pitch day mannequin flipped the standard method.
“By clearly defining capability needs up front, we invite industry and academia to deliver solutions that can be delivered at pace,” Major General Meggitt mentioned.
The theme of the 2026 ASCA Pitch Day – ‘Resilient Command and Control (C2)’ – displays the more and more contested character of the trendy battlespace. Solutions are sought to allow operations in denied, degraded, intermittent and restricted (DDIL) environments, shield crucial C2 capabilities and help fast restoration when networks are disrupted.
‘Mission‑pushed innovation is about making certain our funding in science and expertise delivers outcomes that matter to the warfighter.’
Prevailing in advanced and contested environments would require the ADF to combine capabilities throughout air, maritime, land, area and cyber domains. Future operations are anticipated to be quick‑paced and more and more dynamic, presenting a number of dilemmas to adversaries and pleasant forces alike.
Developing an agile and resilient C2 system that works throughout all domains and working environments is a crucial enabling functionality. Effective C2 permits warfighters to suppose, resolve and act.
“Warfighting is multi‑domain,” Major General Meggitt mentioned.
“Command and management is the glue that binds these domains collectively and permits results to be delivered in an acceptable and efficient means. C2 programs have to be sturdy, adaptable and versatile with a view to scale back the burden on commanders.
“We should anticipate our networks to be focused.
“Resilient command and control is fundamental to maintaining decision advantage.”
Those with probably the most promising options will probably be invited to current on the annual pitch day throughout ADSTAR 2026, to be held in Adelaide from August 4 to six.
“Mission driven means we measure success by impact,” Professor Monro mentioned.
“Clear alignment to the Defence mission ensures science and technology strengthens the ADF’s ability to operate and win in contested environments.”
Register to attend ADSTAR by way of the summit’s website.