NSW Defence and Aerospace Hub

Advancing NSW dual-use defence and aerospace ventures to deliver global impact

The NSW Defence and Aerospace Hub, located at Cicada Innovations, is designed to assist NSW deep tech companies improve their technology and manufacturing capabilities, build teams and increase their funding.

The hub provides NSW’s legion of world-class researchers, manufacturers and innovative businesses with the specialist support, incubation, programs and community required to navigate these markets, build and scale successfully.

Our Impact

Since launching, the Hub has fostered significant growth across Australia’s dual-use defence and aerospace sectors. It has helped entrepreneurs translate research into commercial outcomes, access new markets, forge global connections and scale.

179

Businesses supported

$82M+

Private Capital raised

$200M+

Revenue generated from a global customer base

250

Jobs created

$17.8M

Awarded in grants

New patents filed

Specialist support for every stage

The NSW Defence and Aerospace Hub supports innovators wanting to bring their technology to the space, aerospace and defence sector through a range of key initiatives. Each initiative is designed to provide access to defence-specific experts, networks, and tailored support to help navigate the complexities of bringing dual-use technologies to this market.

Accelerated Market Entry: Fast-track your innovation from concept to deployment with expert guidance and support

Strategic Partnerships: Build meaningful connections with key stakeholders and industry leaders

Comprehensive Support: Receive tailored coaching, mentorship, and resources at every stage of your startup journey.

Technological Advancement: Develop cutting-edge dual-use technologies that can be applied to the space, aerospace and defence sectors enhancing your market potential.

Residency at the Hub

NSW Defence and Aerospace Hub Programs

Space Foundations

A free, self-paced online course that offers foundational knowledge, case studies, and skills for commercialising space innovations and technologies utilising space tech.

For early-stage innovators and future founders who want to explore the fundamental concepts of bringing their ideas to market.

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Elevate

Helping founders validate their markets, refine their value proposition, and enhance their pitching skills with a focus on space, aerospace, and defence applications.

For early-stage founders, commercially minded researchers, and teams with an idea or prototype ready to test their thinking and validate their market.

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Customer Discovery

A four-week interactive program to help deep tech innovators understand and validate defence market needs, and position your technology for dual-use applications.

For founders looking to pressure-test their business with real stakeholders, and build with their customers' needs in mind.

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Stride

A six-month coaching program and residency period at the Hub designed to help deep tech startups set and achieve critical growth milestones specific to the space, aerospace, and defence sectors.

For ventures who have proved their value to early adopters or key stakeholders with their technology and are now ready to set and hit growth milestones.

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Residents & Alumni

Tap into our expert network

The dedicated Hub team holds significant experience across commercialisation, space, aerospace, defence, and related industries.

Together, they provide practical guidance, strategic advice, and valuable connections to help innovators navigate complex markets, accelerate growth, and turn breakthrough ideas into impactful solutions.