The new Australian Defence Technologies Academy at Lot Fourteen is set to cement Adelaide’s position as a global leader in defence innovation and research. Here’s why.
The state and federal governments are each investing $30 million in a partnership to develop the $60 million Australian Defence Technologies Academy (ADTA) at Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen. This isn’t just another education facility – it’s a cutting-edge hub designed to propel Australia’s defence capabilities into the future and secure SA’s position as the nation’s defence state.
What is the ADTA?
The Australian Defence Technologies Academy at the Lot Fourteen innovation district and will be run by the new Adelaide University. The state-of-the-art facility will focus on training, education and research in the fields of defence, space, and cyber. While this is a major asset for national security, it’s also a game-changer for South Australians with a passion for technology and innovation.
The ADTA will offer:
- World-class training programs designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the defence industry. We’re talking about everything from software engineering and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and robotics.
- Cutting-edge research and development where industry, academia and government pool their talents in areas like autonomous systems, advanced materials, and quantum technologies.
- A collaboration hub where industry professionals, researchers, and students can come together to share ideas, solve problems and drive innovation.
Why do we need the ADTA?
With a slew of high-skilled job opportunities on the horizon, the ADTA will be crucial in preparing the next generation of South Australians to benefit from the new roles in the defence industry, ensuring a steady supply of skilled local professionals as they’re needed.
South Australia is already leading the charge on several major defence and space projects that will drive the state’s economy and create more than 11,000 jobs over the next 20 years, including opportunities in related sectors. The state is home to the Osborne Naval Shipyard, where six Hunter-class frigates are being constructed, and Collins-class submarines will undergo ‘life-of-type extension’ maintenance and upgrades to extend each submarine’s operational service. Adelaide is also set to become the hub of the SSN-AUKUS conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine program, a project that will generate billions of dollars in economic activity over the coming decades.
But it’s not just about shipbuilding. Our state has a long history of defence innovation and excellence, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, cyber, information warfare and quantum technologies. The ADTA will strengthen our position as a leader in these fields.
South Australia is a hub for space tech innovation. With more than 100 space-related organisations, the Australian Space Agency, and cutting-edge facilities like the Australian Mission Control Centre and Koonibba Test Range, the nation’s space sector is aiming to create 20,000 jobs by 2030, with a big chunk of those in the state.
Why Lot Fourteen?
Lot Fourteen is the beating heart of Adelaide’s innovation scene. This seven-hectare district in the CBD brings together start-ups, big companies, researchers, and investors to collaborate and grow in areas with a focus on critical technologies, like space, defence, cyber and creative industries. It’s home to heavyweights like the Australian Space Agency, the Australian Institute for Machine Learning and the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre.
This vibrant environment makes Lot Fourteen the perfect spot for the ADTA, where defence can intersect with other cutting-edge sectors, driven by the collaborative efforts of its 1,700-plus innovators across 103 organisations and 61 start-ups.
What does it mean for the new Adelaide University?
The ADTA will be operated by the new Adelaide University, a merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. It’s proof of the university’s commitment to producing job-ready graduates through industry partnerships and research that directly benefits the state’s economy. It will also cement the university’s position as a national leader in defence and national security research and education. Students at the academy will have access to top-notch facilities and secure zones that are currently out of reach for other Australian universities, ensuring they get hands-on experience with the latest tech and innovations.
Alternative paths to a defence career
The ADTA is just the latest state government initiative to equip South Australians with the skills to be part of our future defence and space workforce. The South Australian government has launched a whole new wave of exciting education opportunities that lead straight into defence jobs, from technical colleges to apprenticeships – plus free TAFE courses!
Find out more about career pathways into SA’s defence and space industry here.
