Techstars Adelaide, one of the leading accelerators for startups looking to bring new technology to the defence and security sectors, has released details of its 2018 program, with applications open until 13 May.
Backed by global defence industry giants Boeing Defence Australia, Saab Australia, Thales and Codan Defence Electronics, Techstars Adelaide is a 13-week mentor driven program that helps startup teams ramp up their product development and go-to-market strategy. It focuses on companies advancing state-of-the-art technology; including drones, Internet of Things (IoT), big data, cyber security, sensors, and robotics.
After its launch as the first Techstars startup accelerator in the Asia Pacific region in 2017, Techstars Adelaide received applications from over 49 countries for its inaugural program.
The ten companies selected for Techstars Adelaide 2017 had founders from Australia, India, Israel, Italy, New Zealand and the US, and worked on a wide range of defence and security related technologies including big data and analytics, sensors, unmanned aerial systems, rocket propulsion, cyber and physical security, and performance improvement. Graduates have since gone on to launch new products, close significant VC investments, and inked global deals with top defence sector corporations.
“Last year we proved just how exciting the growth potential of the innovative defence and security sector really is,” MD Techstars Adelaide Terry Gold said.
“Techstars Adelaide gives startups the opportunity to base themselves in a global centre of excellence for defence and security, to work directly with some of the world’s leading defence organisations and within the broader network of international companies.”
A 2017 Techstars Adelaide success story is Teamgage; a platform that enables large organisations to adapt to change and transform company culture. Since completing the program last year, the business has signed a global deal with Thales and begun working with major Australian corporates such as DXC Technology and NEC. The Adelaide-headquartered startup has grown its user base by over 200% since starting the Techstars program in July 2017.
Techstars Adelaide was last month announced as being one of 14 new innovation precincts to be added to the SA Government’s $7.6 million GigCity network; set to receive internet speeds 100 times faster than the national average.