AMDA Foundation names IODS Pitchfest participants

The Geelong-based AMDA Foundation Ltd, which organises the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) 2026 expo, has named the ten finalists in the IODS 2026 Innovation Pitchfest and Awards which spotlight the ingenuity shaping Australia’s maritime and defence future.

This year’s finalists represent a diverse cross-section of industry, from advanced robotics and secure communications to next-generation training and sustainment solutions, each demonstrating practical capability aligned to evolving operational requirements, says AMDA.

They will pitch their ideas onsite at IODS 2026, held at the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre (PECC) to a panel of judges who will determine the winner of each category, each winner receiving $10,000 to contribute to further personal and innovation development. The judges will also award a Best Presenter trophy on the day to the participant who best demonstrates the art of the three-minute pitch.

Innovation Award

• Ausco Products – AMAS Intelligent Buoy
• Greenroom Robotics – Lookout+
• Capability X – CX Remote: Remote command and control

Young Innovator Award

• Alice Haddon | Chief Fluid Systems – Emergency Hose Replacement Kit

Emerging Technology Award

• Chief Fluid Systems – Emergency Hose Replacement Kit
• Space CoLAB – Post Quantum Security – Communications
• Sunfish Robotics – Persistent, covert nomadic ocean robot

Blue Sky Thinking Award

• ASC Pty Ltd – Persistent Virtual Fleet Training Environment
• LexChip Pty Ltd – LexChip
• Skapari – SD400X ‘Bull shark’

The finalists will deliver their pitches onsite at IODS 2026 on Thursday 28 May from 1000- 1130 within the Theatrette on the exhibition floor. The winners of each category will be judged and announced at the conclusion of the event.

However, for the first time, IODS 2026 Innovation Awards finalists will present their ideas and technologies in a dedicated Innovation Precinct on the exhibition floor.

The new precinct is an initiative of the AMDA Foundation and reflects its focus on supporting innovation and emerging capability across Australia’s defence and security sectors.

Across three days of trade, from Tuesday 26 May to Thursday 28 May 2026, the IODS Innovation Pitchfest and Awards finalists will showcase their concepts and technologies and engage directly with industry leaders, Defence representatives and international delegates in a purpose-built exhibit, says AMDA.

Located beside the Theatrette on the exhibition floor, the Innovation Precinct will feature the IODS Innovation Showcase Poster Wall and dedicated pods for each finalist, giving visitors the opportunity to explore new ideas, meet the innovators behind them and learn more about the technologies shaping the future of defence and security.

Register now for free access to the exhibition floor.