Tonsley Innovation District

05/11/2026

A new venture from an established Tonsley business.

We're pleased to introduce BevSage, a new brand launched by Tonsley-based Hydra Consulting, bringing together beverage industry expertise, market intelligence and practical business support to help beverage businesses grow.

The experience behind the new platform is already being shared across the industry. BevSage co-founder Darren Oemcke recently presented at the first joint webinar hosted by the WISA - W**e Industry Suppliers Association Inc. and W**e Communicators of Australia Inc, leading a w**e storytelling webinar and workshop.

From building stronger brands and communicating more effectively to identifying new commercial opportunities, BevSage aims to give beverage businesses access to the knowledge, tools and experienced people they need to move forward.

Through coaching, industry academies and tailored consulting, businesses can get practical support to tackle challenges and pursue their next stage of growth.

It's great to see an established Tonsley business expanding its capabilities and developing new ways to support the beverage industry.

Congratulations to the Hydra Consulting team on the launch of BevSage.

Explore the new platform:

Grow your w**e, b**r, spirits, RTD, canned cocktail, mixer, aperitif, non alcoholic, water, and packaged coffee or tea business with with AI-powered marketing, market research, export planning, pricing, storytelling, distributor discovery and commercial support built specifically for beverage produc

05/11/2026

The future of South Australia's industries depends on having the skills and talent to support their growth.

As highlighted in the Department of State Development's Jobs and Skills Outlook 2026, South Australia will need 169,900 qualifications by 2030, reflecting the growing demand for skilled workers across a range of industries.

At Tonsley, education, research and industry come together in one precinct. With Flinders University, TAFE SA and a diverse business community located here, the district provides an environment where learning, industry experience and future employment opportunities are closely connected.

Developing the workforce of tomorrow is an important part of building South Australia's future industries.

Read the Jobs and Skills Outlook 2026:

Jobs and Skills Outlook 2026

29/10/2026

Congratulations to the apprentices and emerging industry talent recognised at the Master Plumber SA 2026 President’s Lunch.

We’re especially proud to celebrate five award winners who train at the Tonsley campus: Nicholas Hallam, Marcus Wigg, Thomas Gilbert, Cody Ramage and Charlie Fieldhouse.

Your hard work, commitment and determination are helping build the future of South Australia’s construction industry, and we look forward to following your careers as you continue to grow.

Congratulations also to all the apprentice high achievers, Rising Star and leadership award recipients, WorldSkills achievers and milestone members recognised at this year’s event.

Recognising and developing skilled tradespeople is vital to the future of our industry, and it’s fantastic to see their achievements celebrated.

📷 Image credit: Master Plumbers SA

27/10/2026

Innovation doesn't always have to look like complicated tech or scientific breakthroughs. Sometimes, it's about challenging conventions, creating space for others and finding new ways to bring people together.

The Art of Drag: Q***r Innovation panel celebrated Adelaide's drag community and the creativity, resilience and hard work involved in building something from the ground up.

From creating new performance styles to building audiences and fostering belonging, the stories shared are a reminder that innovation can happen anywhere, and that diverse perspectives help our communities thrive.

Thank you to Flinders University Student Association and Medibank for supporting this event, and to Justin Thyme, Princess Laya and Fifi LaDouche for sharing their experiences and insights.

Image credit: Flinders New Venture Institute

27/10/2026

Explore advanced manufacturing at Tonsley

How are technologies like robotics, automation and artificial intelligence helping solve real-world manufacturing challenges?

On Wednesday 28 October, Defence Teaming Centre members can find out firsthand with a tour of Flinders University’s Flinders Factory of the Future at Tonsley.

Working with businesses from SMEs to global enterprises, the facility brings applied research, advanced technologies and industry expertise together to support innovation across sectors including defence, medical devices, energy and advanced manufacturing.

The tour is a chance to see how this work is helping build South Australia’s manufacturing capabilities and develop the technologies and skills needed for the future.

Wednesday 28 October, 9:30am to 10:30am

Places are limited. Find out more and register through the Defence Teaming Centre:

Nationally focused defence Industry Association that supports and develops Australian industry to be more competitive and meet the needs of Defence.

23/10/2026

World-class research with the potential to change lives is taking place right here at Tonsley.

Every day, two Australians lose their lives to motor neurone disease (MND). Flinders University researchers, working alongside partners including FightMND, are advancing research to help find a cure and improve the way potential treatments are assessed.

Thank you to the FightMND Daniher’s Drive team, including Anthony, Chris and Terry Daniher, and the former Melbourne Demons players, for visiting the Dr Ian Davis Biomarker Facility at Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute to learn more about this important work.

The facility uses robotics to analyse biomarkers, helping researchers measure whether potential MND treatments are working in clinical trials. It’s an important example of how research, technology and collaboration can contribute to progress on a disease that affects so many Australians and their families.

We’re proud to see this vital research happening at Tonsley and grateful to everyone working to advance the fight against MND.

Learn more about Flinders University’s research: https://bit.ly/4jSVmmS

📷 Image credit: MND

20/10/2026

Last call for South Australia’s next generation of technical talent.

Apprentices, trainees, students and early-career technicians with skills in mechatronics or Industry 4.0 are encouraged to register for South Australia’s first WorldSkills Regional Competitions in these categories, taking place at Skills Lab at Tonsley on Thursday 22 October.

Competitors will work in teams of two to put their technical skills to the test, gain valuable experience and compete for the chance to progress to the WorldSkills National Championships in Adelaide in 2027, and potentially the WorldSkills competition in Japan in 2028.

Building the skills needed for advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies is an important part of South Australia’s future. Opportunities like this help connect emerging talent with industry and create pathways for the next generation of skilled professionals.

Registrations are closing soon. If you’re ready to take on the challenge, find out more and register through Skills Lab.

📷 by Skills Lab RTO code: 45486

14/10/2026

A Tonsley business is helping strengthen Australia's defence capability through a new partnership with a global industry leader.

Secure State a First Nations-owned cybersecurity business based at Tonsley, has signed an agreement with Safran to support the company's cybersecurity, secure ICT infrastructure and operations in Australia.

It's a reminder that defence capability extends well beyond the equipment itself. Cybersecurity, information protection and secure systems are essential to the organisations and technologies that support Australia's defence industry.

As South Australia's defence sector continues to grow, specialist local businesses have an important role to play in building the expertise, partnerships and sovereign capability needed for the future.

With more than 150 organisations across industries including cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, health technology, research and education, Tonsley brings a diverse range of capabilities together in one precinct.

Congratulations to the Secure State team on this important step.

Read more on Defence SA:

First Nations-owned cybersecurity firm Secure State Consultants has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a global aerospace and defence company to strengthen its Australian defence capability. The agreement with Safran Group, which develops aircraft propulsion systems, aviation equipment,...

14/10/2026

October is Cyber Security Action Month, and it’s a timely reminder for businesses to take a few simple steps to strengthen their online security.

The Australian Government is encouraging organisations to turn awareness into action, helping protect their systems, information, customers and the people they work with.

For businesses across the Tonsley community, useful steps to review this month include:

- Keeping devices, software and applications up to date
- Enabling multi-factor authentication on business accounts
- Using long, unique passwords
- Backing up important data regularly
- Making sure staff can recognise and report scams

For businesses managing more complex systems, the Government also recommends reviewing legacy technology, security monitoring and emerging risks associated with AI-enabled cyber threats.

Cybersecurity is an ongoing responsibility, but small actions can make a meaningful difference.

Tonsley businesses can explore practical guidance and resources through the Australian Government’s Cyber Security Action Month campaign. Learn more: https://www.cyber.gov.au/news/take-a-second-to-stay-secure-this-cyber-security-action-month

07/10/2026

South Australia is entering a significant period of growth in defence and advanced manufacturing, and building the capability to deliver it will take more than major projects alone.

It will require businesses, researchers, educators and government working together to develop the technology, skills, supply chains and sovereign capability needed for the future. That is why visits like this one to SAGE Automation Tonsley headquarters and Advanced Manufacturing Centre are so valuable.

Representatives from Defence West, the Defence Science Centre, South Metropolitan TAFE, SA Innovation Places and Innovation Districts and City recently came together with SAGE to explore advanced manufacturing, cyber security, workforce development and the delivery of complex defence projects.

It is a good example of the kind of collaboration happening within the Tonsley community, where industry and education are closely connected and businesses can share knowledge and capability.

As that growth continues, places like Tonsley have an important role to play in connecting advanced manufacturing, technology, research and skills with the industries that will shape South Australia’s future.
Great to see SAGE helping create those connections.

📷 by SAGE Group