One of the world's most recognised start-up accelerators has chosen Adelaide to launch an expansion into the Asia-Pacific region.
Founded in 2006, Techstars has now over 800 companies participating in its program.
It describes its service as providing an ecosystem that includes technology accelerators, venture capital, community programs and a growing network.
The company's new Adelaide accelerator will focus on technologies related to the defense and security sectors, including the Internet of things (IoT), big data, sensors and robotics.
The choice of the South Australian capital recognises the strength of the State in the this area, with over $100 billion of major defence industry projects in the pipeline.
TechStars believes that with recent investments such as the the $230 million Center for Defense Industry Capability, Adelaide could become a global center of excellence for the defense sector in the region.
"Its is a tech-forward city that is building sophisticated infrastructure for start-ups. Last year it became the first international 'GigCity', and Cisco's only 'Lighthouse City' for innovation in Australia," said Techstars Adelaide executive director Greg Rogers.
The new program will take on ten startups from all over the world, and provide them with access to a broad support network, and to advanced technologies and research, including through its corporate partners BAE, Thales, Austal, SAAB, ASC, Rheinmetall and DCNS.
Applications for Techstars Adelaide are now open with the program commencing in July 2017.