The Australian tech alliance uniting the likes of Google and Microsoft

A new alliance led by the Tech Council unites global tech giants and Australian innovators including Aerologix to build sovereign strength in AI, drones and cyber defence.

As we move further into a high-tech world – quite literally with drones – security innovation becomes paramount. Pic via Getty Images

• The National Security Tech Alliance brings together global giants and rising local players

• Focus areas include AI, quantum computing, secure comms and advanced drone systems

• One of the founding members is Australian drone mapping platform Aerologix

Special Report: Australia is sharpening its focus on sovereign technology as global security risks escalate and digital warfare becomes more sophisticated.

That ambition has materialised in the form of the National Security Tech Alliance (NSTA) – a new initiative led by the Tech Council of Australia and backed by major government and industry partners.

Launched this week, the alliance brings together some of the world’s most influential technology leaders including Microsoft, Google, Thales, CyberCX, Nokia and the CSIRO. Its goal is to create a new model for collaboration that boosts national resilience and strengthens Australia’s capability across critical technologies.

Key areas of focus include artificial intelligence, drone systems, quantum computing, cybersecurity and secure communications infrastructure – all deemed essential to the country’s defence readiness over the next decade.

According to the Tech Council, the NSTA is designed to ensure Australia remains competitive and secure in the face of growing geopolitical uncertainty and the rise of software-defined, autonomous defence systems.

The move reflects a broader global trend. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, now an advisor to the US Department of Defense, has called for a rapid shift in defence procurement toward systems that are "affordable, autonomous, and abundant".

That shift is opening up opportunities for agile tech companies capable of building dual-use technologies that serve both civil and defence applications.

Australia, which has long relied on overseas defence procurement and legacy systems, is now moving to bolster its local innovation capacity. The NSTA is a key pillar in that transition, providing a framework for research collaboration, sovereign manufacturing, policy influence and reduced reliance on foreign providers.

Among the alliance’s founding members is Aerologix, one of Australia’s fastest-growing drone and geospatial intelligence companies.

Founded in 2019 by former Qantas pilot Tom Caska, Aerologix has rapidly built a strong reputation as a trusted provider of aerial data and mapping services. The company operates a network of more than 40,000 certified drone pilots, delivering real-time aerial insights for infrastructure, utilities and emergency services across the country.

Its cloud-based platform, paired with patented AI mapping technology, gives clients critical data for faster and smarter decision making.

“We’re proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the nation’s top innovators to help secure Australia’s digital and physical frontiers,” said founder and CEO Tom Caska.

“Being part of the NSTA confirms Aerologix’s role in building sovereign capability through advanced air mobility and geospatial AI.”

Aerologix’s appointment reflects the increasing importance of flexible, scalable and homegrown platforms in the future of defence and emergency response.

“The defence landscape is changing fast,” said Caska.

“Australia cannot afford to rely only on legacy systems. We need agile, homegrown tech that can respond quickly. Aerologix is proof that we can build world-class solutions locally, and the NSTA is the right vehicle to support that.”

Aerologix continues to scale rapidly through major technology alliances. The company recently partnered with Soar to build the world’s largest digital atlas of drone-captured imagery and joined forces with Mappa, an emerging leader in AI-powered mapping, to deliver next-gen aerial intelligence to clients in infrastructure, energy and public safety.

This article was developed in collaboration with Aerologix, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

Originally published as The Australian tech alliance uniting the likes of Google and Microsoft