Australian Cyber Exchange 2026 (ACE26)

Following the success of last year's inaugural event, Australian Cyber Exchange 2026 (ACE26) is returning as a key deliverable of the Executive Cyber Council's Sovereign Cyber Capabilities Working Group.

ACE26 is a one-day conference featuring keynote addresses, panel sessions, pitch sessions, and a showcase of sovereign cyber security solutions. The event creates the opportunity to forge connections, foster deeper collaboration and drive initiatives to secure Australia's digital future. With a focus on new innovation, sovereignty, and growth, ACE26 will explore the challenges and opportunities facing our nation's cyber security ecosystem, highlighting new solutions and fostering meaningful partnerships.

This year's program introduces a dedicated segment for 1-on-1 procurement consultations, allowing for scaling Australian cyber firms to directly engage with enterprise and government procurement managers to support their entry into domestic supply chains and help them scale.

Australia's ability to strengthen its sovereign cyber capability relies on closing key technology gaps, addressing dependencies, and fostering the commercialisation of innovative solutions.

ACE26 is seeking innovative organisations including startups, spinouts and scaleups with sovereign cybersecurity capabilities. We're looking for solutions that:

Foster sovereign capabilities in cybersecurity technology by reducing dependencies and enhancing local capabilities, creating opportunities for Australian innovation and manufacturing.
Address pressing gaps in the current cyber landscape with scalable solutions.
Help transform cutting-edge ideas into commercially viable products.
Build resilience and security in critical systems and infrastructure.
Promote better awareness and behavioral strategies to manage cyber risks effectively, leveraging local talent to build a secure and informed community.

Exhibitors will have the opportunity to connect with key government representatives, industry leaders, investors, and research institutes, fostering collaboration and building relationships that support growth and access to market development opportunities.

Keynotes and panel sessions - a full-day deep dive into securing Australia's cyber supply chain, from lifting cyber standards through procurement and understanding the nation's threat readiness, to the start-up journeys and research turning insight into scalable, exportable capability.
A showcase of sovereign capability - profiling established and emerging Australian cyber solutions.
1-on-1 procurement consultations and pitch sessions - direct engagement with enterprise and government procurement managers, helping Australian cyber firms prepare themselves for entry into domestic supply chains and scaling locally.

The Executive Cyber Council, established under the 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, brings government and industry leaders together to share strategic insights, exchange threat intelligence to address emerging challenges and facilitate broader participation in national strategic cyber security priorities.

Convened biannually by the Minister for Cyber Security, the Executive Cyber Council plays an important role in facilitating genuine and transparent co-leadership between government and industry on key cyber security issues. The council also supports the delivery of national cyber security priorities, including initiatives driven under the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy's Action Plan. It's membership spans key sectors such as finance, technology, academia and critical infrastructure ensuring a holistic approach to policy and action.

AUSTRALIAN CYBER EXCHANGE 2026