Defence technology company Arkeus will relocate its operations and establish advanced manufacturing capability in Queensland following a $25 million Series A investment round.
According to the Queensland Government, the move will see the AI sensing systems manufacturer, which develops technology used in autonomous platforms for real-time threat detection and tracking, set up production on the Gold Coast, supporting what the government described as a boost to advanced manufacturing capability and sovereign defence capacity.
Arkeus, whose systems are used by the Australian Army and the United States Department of Defense, develops AI-powered sensing technology designed to function as the “eyes and brains” of autonomous platforms such as drones operating in complex environments.
Queensland Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Minister Ros Bates said the relocation reflected growing international confidence in the state as a destination for defence-related manufacturing and investment.
“Queensland is open for business and ready to lead the nation when it comes to defence and advanced manufacturing, and it’s obvious that this message is being heard loud and clear,” Ms Bates said.
“The global landscape is evolving and it’s imperative that we back Australia’s sovereign capability, especially when it comes to defence.”
Arkeus chief executive Simon Olsen said establishing manufacturing capability in Queensland would help accelerate production and strengthen access to engineering expertise and research networks.
“Building our manufacturing capability on the Gold Coast is about more than scale, it’s about access to world-class engineering talent and a growing ecosystem of advanced manufacturing and research,” Mr Olsen said.
“Queensland gives us the ability to attract and retain the people we need to build globally competitive technology here in Australia, and the support from QIC and the Queensland Government has been an important part of this decision.”
The company, founded in 2020, said its systems combine hyperspectral sensing and onboard AI to detect and classify objects in real time, including in degraded or contested environments where traditional sensors can struggle.
Arkeus also said its technology is integrated with several major drone manufacturers and has been deployed with customers including defence agencies in Australia and the United States.
According to the company, recent contract activity includes selection under the Australian Army’s Wide Area Airborne Surveillance Program and engagements with the United States Department of Defense following competitive evaluations.
The $25 million funding round was led by QIC Ventures with participation from R+ VC, Folklore Ventures and Dyne Ventures, alongside continued backing from Main Sequence Ventures, Salus Ventures and Beaten Zone.
