Defence Technology Accelerator
We are where innovation meets operational need – a front door for New Zealand's advanced technology industry to connect with the NZ Defence Force.
The Defence Technology Accelerator connects the Defence Force with New Zealand's technology sector. It creates a pathway for industry and NZDF to work together building a technology pipeline that can deliver the advanced capability needed to operate in emerging defence environments.
The Accelerator was established on 1 July 2026 as part oof the Defence Capability Plan 2025. Aligned with New Zealand’s Defence Industry Strategy, DTA's purpose is to contribute to a stronger, more resilient nation by:
- improving industry's understanding of NZDF requirements; and
- creating clear, structured pathways for technology development, transfer and adoption across the Defence sector.
To best achieve this, we're not creating a procurement mechanism and DTA is separate from our procurement processes. Our focus is to promote development and maturation of defence related technology and grow the advanced capability options available for consideration.
We're starting DTA as a pilot programme that will grow as we learn from experience to scale in ways that work for the New Zealand defence industry ecosystem. We expect to be fully operational later in 2026, and the pilot will be have an official evaluation in mid-2027.
A dedicated online portal will serve as a central place for industry to connect with DTA, register interest and stay informed as our work develops. In the meantime, check back here for updates on the Accelerator as we get up and running.
What DTA will look like
Open calls and themed challenges.
These will provide a transparent and structured pathway for industry to respond to real Defence problems. They will be targeted challenges focused on specific Defence problems aligned to the NZDF’s priorities.
Co-development.
Working closely in partnership with industry, we undertake selected co-development activities to test and mature solutions, aligned with priority areas for the NZDF.
Strategic investment.
We use NZDF strategic capital to support industry development aligned to Defence priorities, including technologies with dual-use potential or defence export opportunity.
Help navigate the system
Defence can be a complex environment to engage with. The DTA helps industry understand the landscape, connect organisations to the right people, processes and pathways across the NZDF, Ministry of Defence and relevant government agencies. Every engagement is coordinated through a structured, approved process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where can I learn more?
In November 2025, Cabinet agreed in principle to set up a Defence Technology Accelerator as a deliverable of the Defence Capability Plan 2025, subject to Budget 2026 decisions. The Accelerator is aligned to the New Zealand Defence Industry Strategy.
You can read the Cabinet Paper and supporting information here.
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What problem is the Defence Technology Accelerator trying to solve?
New technologies are emerging faster than ever. The DTA helps New Zealand Defence keep pace. It gives the NZDF a structured way to explore, test and assess new technologies before committing to them. The goal is to support better-informed decisions, earlier in the process.
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How does engagement happen?
The DTA works with industry through a range of activities, including open calls for ideas, themed challenges focused on specific Defence problems, and selected co-development projects. Every engagement has a clear purpose, defined scope and a set timeframe.
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Is this about buying technology faster?
No, engagement through the DTA does not guarantee a procurement outcome. The DTA is about enabling better-informed decisions, which sometimes means proceeding with a technology and sometimes means deciding not to. Our focus is on developing and maturing technology options, not making decisions on Defence acquisition.
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Is this creating a new 'front door' for industry across government?
The DTA is a front door specifically for the New Zealand Defence Force and advanced technology industry to connect. It was not established to provide a connection to all-of-government or other parts of Defence. If your work is a better fit for another agency, we'll point you in the right direction and make connections where we can.
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Does engaging with the DTA increase my chances of winning a Defence contract?
Engagement through the DTA does not guarantee a procurement outcome. What it does provide is meaningful visibility with Defence, constructive feedback, and an opportunity to build credibility within the Defence ecosystem. All procurement decisions remain subject to standard Defence processes.
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What types of companies should engage with the DTA?
The DTA aims to work with a broad range of organisations, including start-ups, small and medium enterprises, research institutes and established firms, provided they are addressing problems relevant to Defence and are willing to engage openly and transparently.
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What happens if an engagement does not progress?
Not all engagements will proceed beyond early stages. Where that is the case, clear and constructive feedback will be provided so organisations can understand the outcome and determine how to proceed.
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How is intellectual property handled?
Intellectual property arrangements are agreed transparently and proportionately, based on the nature of the engagement. The DTA does not actively seek to acquire participants' intellectual property and aims to establish terms that are commercially workable for industry.
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Is the DTA open to international companies, or only New Zealand businesses?
The DTA's primary focus is on strengthening New Zealand's Defence innovation ecosystem to support national security outcomes. New Zealand businesses are prioritised, particularly where there are development leads and outcomes are important to the NZDF’s needs and objectives.
Strong engagement is expected from New Zealand and regionally based firms and research institutes. International companies are generally expected to partner with a New Zealand organisation or respond to challenge sets issued locally. Australian industry will typically be treated on similar terms to New Zealand businesses, reflecting our shared ANZAC ties and strategic interests.
International engagement and partnerships will be considered where they add clear value and align with the NZDF’s priorities.