Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems (AAUS)

SkyTech 2025

Event:

SkyTech 2025: Exploring the Future of Uncrewed Flight

(Held in association with Avalon 2025)

Dates:

March 24-25, 2025

Venues:

Monday 24 March (Day 1) - Melbourne CBD

Tuesday 25 March (Day 2) - Avalon 2025 Event Site

Summary:

Join us for SkyTech 2025, a premier conference for Australia’s uncrewed systems industry! Taking place in conjunction with Avalon 2025, this cutting-edge event will bring together innovators, industry leaders, and policy makers to explore the latest advancements in drones, robotics, and autonomous technologies.

Why Attend SkyTech 2025?

Expert Insights: Hear from top industry speakers on emerging technologies, regulatory trends, and market opportunities.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with leaders and peers across the uncrewed systems community.
Avalon Exhibits: Experience exhibition of groundbreaking technology shaping the future of aviation at Avalon 2025.
Industry Solutions: Explore innovations designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and operational excellence.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, or industry professional, SkyTech 2025 is your gateway to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving world of uncrewed systems.

Conference Themes

Exploring the future of uncrewed flight in Australia
Showcasing the rise and trajectory of drones and advanced air mobility
Enabling technologies
Potential to disrupt sectors such as defence, logistics, agriculture and emergency response
Promoting sovereign capability
Counter UAS
Cybersecurity
Collaborative autonomy
Regulation and integration of Uncrewed Systems into civil airspace

Program

Monday March 24

Melbourne CBD Venue

Time	Activity / Presentation	Presenter
08:30	Registration & Coffee
09:00	Opening Remarks	Andrew Crowe (AAUS)
09:05	Keynote Address	AVM Nicholas Hogan – Head of Air Force Capability
	Session 1: Emerging Aviation Policy and Regulation
09:25	Session Introduction	Reece Clothier (Boeing, Moderator)
09:30	How will FIMS help enable and support the projected forecast growth in UAS and AAM?	Courtney Meares-Whitty (Airservices Australia)
09:40	Regulatory preparations for emerging aviation technologies	Paul Hibberd (CASA)
09:50	Innovators and Regulators: View from the other side	Scott Griffith (CAA NZ)
10:00	The Path to Certifying Autonomous Air Taxis	Cindy Comer (Wisk)
10:10	Panel Discussion	Session Speakers
10:40	Morning Tea
	Session 2: Advanced Air Mobility
11:10	Session Introduction	Natasha Santha (L.E.K Consulting, Moderator)
11:15	A holistic approach to AAM network development in Australia	Yun Yuan Tay (Skyports)
11:25	Building Social Licence for AAM in SEQ	Dan Parsons (Wisk)
11:35	Enabling Technologies for Civil Advanced Air Mobility an Australian Strategic Perspective	Peter Smith (Swinburne University)
11:45	Are Modular Vertipads the key to unlocking Advanced Air Mobility?	Clem Newton-Brown (Skyportz)
11:55	The Role of new ATM Systems and Services in support of uncrewed AAM Operations	Rob Weaver (Eve Air Mobility)
12:05	Panel Discussion	Session Speakers
12:40	Lunch
	Session 3: Cybersecurity
13:30	Session Introduction	Wade Alcorn (AAUS Cybersecurity AG Chair)
13:35	Closing the Gap: Addressing the Need for Comprehensive Cybersecurity in Advanced Air Mobility and Autonomous Aviation	Khin Paing (SkyGrid)
13:45	Cyber Assurance for UAS: The Need for an Operationally Representative Environment	Dan Murphy (Nova Systems)
13:55	DJI’s approach to Data Security	Adam Welsh (DJI)
14:05	Autonomy and Ethics - Integration and Security of Uncrewed Systems	James Finch (Skydio)
14:15	Full Stack Security for UAS Cyber Threat Models	Sasha Biskup (DroneShield)
14:25	Panel Discussion	Session Speakers
15:00	Afternoon Tea
	Session 4: Future RPAS and AAM Applications
15:30	Session Introduction	Mitch Deam (Trendspek)
15:35	Leading Aerospace Innovation from the Southern Hemisphere	Liesl Haris (Gap Drone)
15:45	Use of RPAS in Emergency Management	Deb Sparkes (AFAC / NAFC)
15:55	The Future of Uncrewed Flight & Integration into Aeromedical Operations	Wayne Condon (Toll Aviation)
16:05	The Development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft	Robert Zubeck (General Atomics)
16:15	Recent advances in UAS autonomy and teaming	Mark Palmer (Shield AI)
16:25	Panel Discussion	Session Speakers
16:55	Closing Remarks
17:00	Networking Drinks
18:30	Day One Close

Tuesday March 25

Avalon Airshow Conference Centre

Time	Activity / Presentation	Presenter
10:00	Opening Remarks	Andrew Crowe (AAUS)
	Session 5: Defence Applications
10:10	Keynote	BRIG Steven Cleggett (DG Army Aviation Systems)
10:35	Accelerating Defence Innovation and Capability; The role of ASCA	MAJGEN Hugh Meggitt (ASCA)
11:00	Drones in Modern Warfare: Lessons Learnt from the War in Ukraine	Oleksandra Molloy (UNSW)
11:25	STRIX - Flight testing our own X-Plane	Branden Fipps (BAE Systems)
11:50	Lunch break (Fast Jet activity)
	Session 6: Counter UAS
13:30	Session Introduction	WGCDR Keirin Joyce (RAAF, AAUS)
13:35	UAS Adversary Intelligence: TTPs & Innovation	Mike Monnik (Dronesec)
13:50	AI-Powered Counter-Drone Systems: Harnessing Radio Frequency Detection and Mitigation	Julian Webber (Department 13)
14:05	Australian C-UAS - world leadership in counter drone innovation, systems integration and supply	Terry van Haren DSM (Droneshield)
14:20	Drone Security Policy and the UTM ecosystem	Benedict Lyons (DITRDCA)
14:35	Panel Discussion	Session Speakers plus Glen Gallagher (Defence SA)
15:10	Closing Remarks
15:20	Conference Close

Registration

Registration is now open.

Registration for the AAUS SkyTech 2025 conference is via the Avalon 2025 website.

Delegate Type	Normal Price
AAUS Member	$750
Non-Member	$875
Government / Defence	$750

All pricing inclusive of GST
Registration via the Avalon 2025 website (you will be able to add the AAUS conference to your Avalon registration.
Registration to the conference includes admission to Avalon on Tuesday March 25.
All delegates must agree to AAUS Terms and Conditions and Code of Conduct

Sponsors

AAUS gratefully acknowledges the support of our event sponsors.

Contact Us

PO Box 496
Glen Waverley VIC 3150

Australia

info@aaus.org.au