Aerial view over parliament house and Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Tourism Australia

Canberra Industry Sectors

Australia’s capital city is at the centre of academic, government and business innovation, boasting expertise across a broad range of industry sectors including defence; education and innovation, renewable energy, cyber security; space; agri-technology; ICT and e-government; and health and sports science.

With more than 100 Embassies and High Commissions, and government infrastructure and procuring agencies in Canberra there is direct access to worldwide decision makers.

In 2021 Canberra was named the world’s most sustainable city and has been powered by 100 per cent renewable energy since 2019. The Australian National University’s Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions is leading the way in research and education in sustainability.

Higher education and research

Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © VisitCanberra

Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, ACT © Australian Institute of Sport

The Australian Institute of Sport, based in Canberra, has produced numerous Olympians and Paralympians and is a centre of excellence in health and sports science.

Powered by a strong knowledge-based economy, Canberra is home to five prestigious universities which are all ranked amongst the best in the world, including Australian National University, University of Canberra and Australian Catholic University.

Canberra is also a driving force behind Australia’s research industries, and is home to several nationally significant research institutions including the Australian Academy of Science and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

The capital is also one of Australia’s highest performers on measures of innovation and entrepreneurship. It’s home to the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN), which brings together world-class researchers, entrepreneurs and start-ups, investors and venture capitalists to support innovation

Defence

Australian Day, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © EventsACT

An aerial view of the city of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © VisitCanberra

Willyama, a 100 per cent Indigenous and veteran owned business, provides IT and cyber security services to the Australian government and defence.

Canberra is not only home to the Department of Defence, but also the historic Royal Military College at Duntroon, the Australian Defence Force Academy, the Australian Command and Staff College, and the Australian Industry and Defence Network.

With an established defence business network, Canberra offers unique proximity to decision makers, procuring agencies and government infrastructure. Here you’ll find a highly skilled workforce developing cutting-edge technologies across areas including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, cyber security, and space and spatial sciences.