Event | ADSTAR 2026 - Australian Defence Science, Technology and Research Summit
The Australian Defence Science, Technology and Research Summit (ADSTAR) will be held in Adelaide 4-6 August 2026.
Hosted by Defence Science and Technology Group on behalf of the Department of Defence, the Summit is the leading event for promoting innovation, science and technology on a global scale. ADSTAR builds new relationships and strengthens established partnerships across Defence, government, industry, and academic sectors to explore The Art of the Possible.
ADSTAR 2026 will explore how industry and university expertise can help pull innovation, science and technology (IS&T) into Defence capability. Under the theme Delivering More, Together, ADSTAR 2026 will explore the four strategic lines of effort from the IS&T Strategy: ‘Accelerating Asymmetric Advantage – Delivering More, Together’. This means ADSTAR will focus on:
Anticipating the Future
How can we better forecast emerging threats and opportunities? This explores foresight, trends, and analysis to ensure Australia stays ahead of the curve.
Experimentation
Innovation demands courage, resources and authorities (or policy) to test, trial, and sometimes fail fast in a rapidly repeatable safe environment. Here we spotlight experimentation as a driver of discovery, turning creative ideas into practical solutions. The experimentation continuum spans strategic gaming, campaign modelling and analysis, wargaming and exercising, training and prototype testing, and digitally engineered environments.
Integrated Ecosystem
Defence innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. This celebrates collaboration across Defence, government, academia, and industry building an ecosystem where partnerships accelerate capability.
Mission Driven
Science and technology must deliver outcomes that matter. This theme focuses on aligning research and innovation to Defence missions, ensuring that every idea has a pathway to impact.
Why attend ADSTAR 2026?
Be part of the conversation that matters - don't miss your chance to help build a stronger, more resilient Australia.
ADSTAR 2026 will be a meeting place for innovators, decision-makers, and practitioners who believe in the power of science and technology to protect Australia's future.
Join us in Adelaide to:
- Access the Pipeline: Meet Australia's best innovators and researchers in one room.
- Targeted Visibility: Connect with leaders from Defence, government, industry and academia to advance next generation capability.
- Drive Outcomes: Better understand the Defence context and shape your decisions.
Delegates will have the chance to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and help shape and transform the direction of Defence innovation for years to come. Together, we'll explore The Art of the Possible.
ADSTAR has become a meeting point for those working across Defence’s innovation, science and technology (IS&T) ecosystem, as well as those looking to enter it. Attendees will examine how research, partnerships and emerging technology can contribute to Defence’s long-term capability needs and Australia’s resilience.
Visit the official ADSTAR website for more information.
