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Vu Tran: Why now is the time to start paying attention

  • Innovation Hall - Newcastle City Hall 290 King Street Newcastle, NSW, 2300 Australia (map)

vu tran

Demystifying defence

keynote: Why now is the time to start paying attention

Vu Tran, the visionary co-founder of Black Sky Industries and the edtech unicorn Go1, will deliver a compelling keynote address titled, "Demystifying Defence: Why Now is the Time to Start Paying Attention." This thought-provoking session will challenge attendees to reconsider the role of the defence industry in national security and economic prosperity.

In an era of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, Tran will argue that a sovereign defence capability is not a luxury but a necessity. Drawing from his unique journey from a successful technology entrepreneur to a pivotal figure in Australia's burgeoning defence sector, he will provide a rare insider's perspective on why the nation can no longer afford to be a passive consumer in the global defence market.

Tran will deconstruct the common misconceptions surrounding the defence industry, moving the conversation beyond the battlefield to highlight its critical role in fostering innovation, creating high-skilled jobs, and ensuring national resilience. He will share how Black Sky Industries is applying a dynamic, startup-like agility to a traditionally bureaucratic sector, accelerating the development of sovereign Australian capabilities in critical areas like solid rocket motor manufacturing.

This keynote is a must-attend for leaders in business, technology, and government, as well as anyone interested in the future of Australian innovation and security. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of:

  • The strategic imperatives for building a sovereign defence industry.

  • The economic and technological opportunities within the modern defence landscape.

  • How a startup mindset can drive innovation and efficiency in a critical sector.

  • The moral and ethical considerations of contributing to national defence.

About Vu Tran:

Vu Tran is a respected entrepreneur and innovator who co-founded two transformative Australian companies: the global education platform Go1 and the pioneering defence technology firm Black Sky Industries. With a background that spans technology, education, and now, national security, Tran brings a unique and compelling perspective to the conversation about Australia's future. He is a passionate advocate for building a resilient and technologically advanced nation, driven by a commitment to sovereign capability and local innovation.

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