Released 18/10/2026
The ACT Government is strengthening international partnerships to support investment, innovation and export growth across Canberra's knowledge economy.
Chief Minister and Minister for Trade, Investment and the Knowledge Economy Andrew Barr said engagements in Germany and the United Kingdom highlighted opportunities for Canberra businesses, researchers and institutions in areas where the ACT has established competitive strengths, including research commercialisation, cyber security, digital infrastructure, quantum technologies and artificial intelligence.
As part of the Chief Minister’s recent trade mission, the Government engaged with leaders from the Hessian Ministry for Digitalisation and Innovation, Technologiepark Heidelberg, Heidelberg Innovation Park, Knowledge Quarter London, London & Partners, the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, Austrade, and major Australian banks operating in Europe.
Discussions with the Hessian Ministry for Digitalisation and Innovation focused on how Hesse’s digital and innovation strengths could connect with Canberra’s capabilities in cyber security, AI and quantum technologies.
That reflects a key priority: creating stronger international pathways for Canberra companies through the ACT’s broader innovation ecosystem.
"The Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN), our universities, CSIRO and Canberra's technology sector are central to the ACT's economic future," the Chief Minister said.
“The global trading environment is more uncertain and more competitive, and Canberra exporters need every advantage they can get.
“We’re working to give local companies that edge. Our objective is to enable innovative Canberra companies to have greater access to international markets, investment capital, commercial partnerships and research networks.
“Over the next 24 months, the Government will now work with CBRIN and international partners to strengthen links with leading innovation ecosystems in Germany and the UK, facilitate connections with investors and corporate partners, and support Canberra businesses pursuing opportunities in areas like AI, cyber security, quantum technologies and GovTech.”
The Chief Minister also reinforced opportunities arising from the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement and the recently concluded Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement, with Canberra-founded technology company Castlepoint Systems a great example of how ACT businesses can successfully expand internationally while retaining their workforce, intellectual property and operations in Canberra.
"Castlepoint's success in securing a UK Ministry of Defence contract and establishing a presence in London demonstrates that Canberra companies are competing successfully in global markets.
“Our aim is to help more Canberra companies win in the UK while growing from their Canberra base, and the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement will be key to improving access to UK customers, investment and government procurement.”
The Chief Minister said the Government's focus remains firmly on growing jobs, investment and exports.
"Our objective is clear: more high-value jobs, more private investment and more Canberra companies competing successfully in international markets.
"By 2030, we want to see several thousand more Canberrans employed in knowledge-intensive industries and hundreds of millions of dollars in additional private investment flowing into Canberra's technology, innovation and research sectors.”
Quotes attributable to CEO of the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) Petr Adámek:
“Canberra has world-class research, exceptional deep technology capabilities and ambitious entrepreneurs working on solutions with global potential. Our challenge is connecting these strengths with international markets, customers, investors and partners effectively.
“The ACT Government's engagement with leading innovation ecosystems in Germany and the UK is an important step in opening these doors. At the Canberra Innovation Network, we see significant opportunities to build on these relationships and help more knowledge-based businesses from Canberra turn their innovations into international commercial success.”
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases