LATEST NEWS

Three Australian innovators have been named winners of the Land Forces 2024 Innovation Awards, worth $120,000, after pitching their technologies today.

They were among 20 finalists who each delivered a 3-minute pitch on day one of Land Forces 2024, held in the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The winners are:

·       Land Forces 2024 Innovation Award: Shane ‘Buzz’ Sarlin, Buzzworks for optical clarity, ballistic facial and mandibular protection for any tactical helmet.

·       Land Forces 2024 Emerging Technology Award: Daniel Stevens, Seitec for a system to detect and localise unexploded ordnance in real time, whether dropped from an aircraft or fired by artillery.

·       Land Forces 2024 Young Innovator Award:  Tara Penboss, Black Sky industries for contribution to Ultra-Mobile Artillery Rocket System V2.0.

A fourth award for the person who best mastered the art of the pitch on the day, was also presented. The winner, voted unanimously by the judging panel was:

·       Best Pitch Award: Katie Donaldson, Praxis for tactical solar – Advanced Composite Solar panels for land, sea and air.

Their success was announced by Professor Emily Hilder, Head of Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA).

The three Innovation Award winners all received a $40,000 cash prizes, and all winners an engraved glass trophy, designed and made by Wathaurong Glass Arts an indigenously owned and managed cooperative in Geelong.

The new-look Land Forces Innovation Awards, held for the first time at this year’s event, combines the best of the original awards and the popular pitchfest programs, previously held separately. Candidates submitted entries for judging, and 20 finalists delivered a 3-minute pitch onsite at Land Forces 2024, with the final pitch determining the winners in each category.

Justin Giddings, CEO of AMDA Foundation Limited, said the Innovation Awards are designed to provide a global platform for Australian innovation but more importantly help turn innovative ideas into reality.

“These awards are not just recognition; the $40,000 cash prizes are designed to help innovators take their concepts to the next stage. This financial boost can be the difference between a great idea and a successful, market-ready product,” he said.

“The calibre of the innovations pitched today has been outstanding, reflecting the remarkable talent and ambition within Australia’s defence industry. It’s inspiring to see such groundbreaking ideas with the potential to shape the future of defence technology."