2026 National Innovation Policy Forum

Built Here: Australia's return on research, development and innovation

National Innovation Policy Forum brings together senior leaders from government, industry, research and the investment community for informed discussion about the policies, partnerships and practical actions needed to strengthen Australia’s innovation system and economic future.
The theme for the 2026 Forum is Built Here.

At a time when Australia is seeking productivity growth, economic resilience and enhanced sovereign capability, the Forum will explore how we can scale our RD&I effort to grow businesses, technologies and jobs that are built here.

Taking place on Tuesday 13 October at the National Press Club the Forum will explore how Australia can strengthen research translation, support emerging industries, build national capability and ensure the country remains globally competitive in a rapidly changing world.

Built Here Parliamentary Showcase

Ahead of the Forum, Cooperative Research Australia will host the Built Here Parliamentary Showcase at Parliament House on Monday 12 October.
The showcase will highlight Australian success stories that demonstrate the value of collaboration between industry, research organisations and government. Businesses, community representatives and research leaders will share how Australian ideas, expertise and partnerships are delivering economic, social and environmental benefits for the nation.

Featuring participants from some of the most innovative Australian companies, Cooperative Research Centres, NCRIS facilities, universities, medical research institutes, ARC Centres of Excellence, the showcase will demonstrate how industry collaboration and R&D is creating new opportunities, strengthening industries and delivering benefits for communities across Australia.

Registrations for NIPF2026 are now open:

“What made this session particularly valuable was the diversity of perspectives represented. It brought together voices from both public and private sectors – including government policy makers, universities, R&D institutions, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders – all contributing ideas and influencing what effective, future-ready policy should look like. These types of collaborative discussions are essential to building a consistent and sustainable innovation ecosystem in Australia, both now and into the future.”~ Kurt Benavides, INEXLINK Inventory Exchange Spa

Canberra

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Built Here Showcase

Date: Monday 12 October 2026
Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm AEDT
Venue: Great Hall, Parliament House, Canberra, ACT, 2600
Cost: Complimentary

National Innovation Policy Forum

Date: Tuesday 13 October 2026
Time: 7:30am – 1:00pm AEDT
Venue: National Press Club, 16 National Circuit, Barton, ACT, 2600
Cost: CRA Members – $570, Non-Members – $720 (Inclusive of GST)

Register Now: NIPF2026

Partner with us for NIPF2026

Be part of Australia’s innovation story. Join us as a partner or exhibitor at the National Innovation Policy Forum and Built Here Showcase to showcase the impact of your work, engage directly with key decision-makers, and help demonstrate the value that research, development and innovation deliver for Australia’s economy, communities and future prosperity. Secure your place and help shape the conversation about the future of Australian innovation. Expressions of interest for the Showcase closes on Monday 14 September at 17:00 AEST.