A Kedron-based start-up company is set to go global with its cutting-edge target products to be exported soon.
The State Government announced that it would support GaardTech to commercialise its unique advanced military targets for defence training purposes. GaardTech’s new TARGET (tank and reconnaissance ground enemy target systems) product can replicate any three-dimensional target with the highest level of thermal, EW and visual detail.
“This is about creating new jobs in Queensland. Defence is a rapidly growing global industry. That’s why we’re supporting a local business to tap into this industry and export from Queensland,” Innovation Minister Kate Jones explained.
“The company has already proven the demand for their technology with Army and Airforce contracts with the Australian Defence Force and there’s strong interest from other allied military forces.”
GaardTech is one of the recipients of Ignite Ideas Fund round 5. The $100,000 grant, Innovation Minister Kate Jones added, is provided to enable the company to employ more staff and commercialise their technology.
Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister and Member for Stafford Dr Anthony Lynham described the State Government’s initiative as a win for a great local business and amazing achievement for an Australian-owned Kedron-based business “recognised across the world as a leader in defence technology,”
“This Ignite Ideas funding will allow us to present the high fidelity training systems to allied forces the world over and expand our market with exports to the United States and EU countries,” GaardTech founding director Steen Bisgaard said.
He added that he sees rapid growth for the company’s Brisbane office as sales and contracts emerge whilst export activities will also result in an increase in locally fabricated products from the company’s Brisbane based steel supply chain.
GaardTech was the first company in the world to introduce a full-size, steel, robotic military training system, which was flat packed, cost-effective, and able to replicate any emerging threat to a high visual and thermal accuracy.