Knowledge-based businesses
Find out what support is available to Canberra’s knowledge-based businesses.
Canberra is an established centre for knowledge-based industries like:
- space
- defence
- quantum
- cyber security
- advanced technologies.
In Canberra, knowledge-based businesses have access to both a strong local economy and support for industry growth.
They also have access to:
- a large, technical and scientific workforce
- industry infrastructure and facilities
- well-developed industry ecosystems
- universities and research institutions
- Australian Government departments and decision makers.
Support for your business
There are different types of support available to knowledge-based businesses in Canberra.
There are several ways the ACT Government can support your knowledge-based business.
Team Canberra
The ACT Government supports ACT based small to medium businesses attend large trade shows and events.
At these events, Team Canberra showcases local businesses:
- technology
- products
- services.
Businesses attending events with Team Canberra can network with customers nationally and internationally. It also reduces the cost for the business.
At these events, Team Canberra aims to promote Canberra as:
- an investment destination
- Australia's leading centre for defence, space, cyber and advanced technology industries.
Examples of conferences and trade shows include:
- Avalon Australian International Airshow
- Military Communications and Information Systems Conference in Canberra
- Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition in Melbourne
- Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney.
Team Canberra is also supported by the Defence and Advanced Technology Industry Advocate. They attend trade shows and events with businesses to introduce them to:
- ministers
- industry partners and potential customers
- senior decision makers
- government agencies.
If you would like to be on the Team Canberra mailing list, contact us by emailing defenceACT@act.gov.au
Defence and Advanced Technology Industry Advocate
The ACT Government recently established a Defence and Advanced Technology Industry Advocate role.
They work across the Canberra Cyber Hub and planned Space and Quantum Hubs, helping to connect business with industry, advice and market information.
The Defence and Advance Technology Industry Advocate is Ms Karen Schilling.
Karen has 25 years’ experience working in the defence industry. She also has extensive experience in the Canberra cyber and advanced technology sectors.
Contact the Defence and Advanced Technology Advocate via email defenceACT@act.gov.au
ACT Government’s Office of International Engagement
The ACT Government’s Office of International Engagement (OIE) supports ACT businesses to export.
The TradeStart partnership between the ACT Government and Austrade is one of their initiatives that can support your export activities.
The OIE also coordinates all ACT Government international engagement activities. This includes outbound trade missions and inbound delegations and other international events.
Find out more about exporting to new markets
ACT Space Update
To support Canberra’s space businesses, industry, infrastructure and workforce, the ACT Government launched the ACT Space Update 2023.
Developed in consultation with the space sector, its focus is to make Canberra Australia’s gateway to space. It is a connection point between research, industry, education and government. It builds on CRB Switched On: ACT's Economic Development Priorities 2022-2025.
To find out more, see ACT Space Update 2023.
Contact the Space Canberra Team via email spaceCBR@act.gov.au
The Canberra Cyber Hub
Established in 2020 by the ACT Government, the Canberra Cyber Hub connects and strengthens Canberra’s unique cyber ecosystem.
The Canberra Cyber Hub has been co-designed and is being co-led with Canberra’s cyber ecosystem and funding from the ACT Government.
Learn more about the Canberra Cyber Hub
If you’re planning to start a cyber business in the Canberra region, talk to our investment team by emailing investcanberra@act.gov.au
Find out how the Australian Government can support your knowledge-based business.
Office of Defence Industry
The Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS) provides advisory, mentoring and guidance to Australian defence businesses.
They help defence industry businesses start up or grow by providing:
- specialist defence business advice
- access to defence procurement programs
- access to defence end users.
The Australian Defence Export Office
The Australian Defence Export Office (ADEO) coordinates whole-of-government defence export support for Australia’s defence industry.
They work with an international defence network and Austrade business development managers. They can tailor support to Australian defence companies to help them export.
Programs and initiatives that can support your export activities include:
- Team Defence Australia international trade shows and missions
- The Australian Military Sales Catalogue
- free pitch training
- Defence Global Competitiveness Grants
- Australian Defence Export Advocate advocacy and support.
Visit the Australian Defence Export Office
Defence Industry Security Program
The Defence Industry Security Program can support your business by helping you understand and comply with their security obligations.
This can be helpful if your business wants to work with the Department of Defence on:
- programs
- contracts
- tenders.
Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN)
The AIDN is the peak Federal industry association representing subject matter experts in the Defence sector.
They offer networking and defence business opportunities in the ACT region.
Here are some capital investment options for your knowledge-based business.
Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN)
The ACT Government supports CBRIN to provide a range of programs. Experienced entrepreneurs lead CBRIN. They provide access to skills, support and funding opportunities. Their aim to help grow innovative companies.
One funding opportunity is the Innovation Connect (ICON) grant program. It provides matched funding between $10,000 and $30,000 to support innovative entrepreneurs.
Priority Investment Program
The ACT Government funds the Priority Investment Program (PIP), which brings together industry and universities. It allows collaboration to solve industry, research and business problems.
If you have an innovative business idea or need help solving an industry problem, PIP can provide funding. The program will match your contribution dollar for dollar.
Research and Development Tax Incentive
The Australian Government provides support to Australian businesses through the Research and Development Tax Incentive (R&DTI). This incentive helps companies innovate and grow by giving a tax offset to conduct research and development.
There are different tax offset rates depending on your company’s total turnover. There are requirements to be eligible to apply for this incentive. You can check if you're eligible on their website.