Session 2.6c: Product Brief - Operationalising AI for the Ready Force: A Sovereign AI Systems Integrator Approach to Decision Advantage
Tracks
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| Wednesday, November 19, 2025 |
| 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
| Menzies Theatre |
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Sponsored by
Details
In an era of strategic uncertainty, the ADF faces an urgent imperative to field AI-enhanced capabilities across all domains. As mandated by the NDS/DSR, AI offers immediate promise for operational effectiveness, from cyber operations facing large-scale daily threats to joint planning and coalition coordination. Drawing on lessons from Defence AI initiatives and AUKUS partnerships, a systematic approach to rapidly prototype and deploy AI solutions is essential.
Integrating AI capabilities across Defence's complex ecosystem, from enterprise planning tools to tactical edge systems, introduces substantial challenges around governance, security, validation, and interoperability. Without a unified framework, Defence risks fragmented implementations that fail to translate AI potential into tangible capability uplift.
We present a Sovereign AI Systems Integrator (SASI) methodology and AI Prototyping Framework that enables rapid 0-to-1 development whilst ensuring secure, validated deployment. Our approach leverages Azure enterprise capabilities and defence industry exemplars to deliver mission-tailored solutions. We demonstrate this through our Cyber DMAP Proof-of-Concept, which addresses cyber overwhelm by integrating threat correlation with cyber planning and wargaming, as an example of how this framework provides the integration expertise to augment commanders and planners across domains.
Drawing from iterative development experience, we demonstrate how the SASI approach de-risks AI adoption through rigorous validation and DevSecOps pipeline management. This methodology enables Defence to confidently field AI-augmented capabilities, from cyber "co-pilots" to joint planning systems, that are interoperable with coalition partners and directly enhance the ADF's "fight tonight" readiness.
Speaker
Mr Sean Gurney
Solutions Architect
Data#3
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Biography
Sean Gurney is a Solutions Architect at Data#3, known for driving innovation and delivering successful outcomes within complex Australian Defence environments. He specialises in bridging strategic Defence needs with cutting-edge technologies, particularly AI-enabled systems, to solve critical operational challenges.
Sean's expertise encompasses capability development, project management, and systems engineering. Notably, he led proof-of-concept and prototyping work for an AI-enabled capability that secured millions in funding and achieved buy-in from 3-Star ADF Generals, culminating in AUKUS prototypes of international military interest.
He has also developed project execution strategies for billion-dollar Defence projects and is an advocate for AI-enabled wargaming capabilities as a key component to achieving decision superiority.
Formerly a Communications and Information Systems Controller in the RAAF, Sean now leverages this deep operational understanding at Data#3. He specialises in architecting secure, compliant (ISM, ITAR, Defence AI T&E Framework), and effective AI-enabled solutions, helping to position Data#3 as a leading Sovereign AI Systems Integrator. Sean is committed to helping Defence operationalise AI-enabled enterprise and warfighter systems that are in alignment with the priorities of the DSR, NDS and Defence Digital Strategy.
Mr Graham Robinson
Chief Technology Officer
Data#3
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Biography
Graham Robinson is the Chief Technology Officer of Data#3, appointed in March 2022 as the company's first CTO. With over 25 years of ICT industry experience, Graham has spent more than 17 years at Data#3, most recently serving as Group Practice Manager and National Cisco Practice Manager before his promotion.
In his CTO role, Graham leads Data#3's Solutions Group and Practice Management Team, focusing on strengthening relationships with world-leading technology partners and ensuring Data#3 remains ahead of the technology curve. He provides strategic thought-leadership to customers and industry partners, identifying and capitalising on market transitions whilst growing solutions revenue across the customer success lifecycle.
Prior to joining Data#3 in 2008, Graham developed professional services practices within both Tier 1 and Tier 2 Australian ICT service providers, specialising in mobility and collaboration solutions. His previous roles include Unified Communication Practice Manager at Commander Australia, Solutions Architect at Volante Systems, and Network Integration Manager at The Somerville Group.
Graham holds degrees from the University of New South Wales, including a Bachelor of Science, Master of Commerce, and Master of Law, as well as a Bachelor's in Information Systems and Master's in Electronic Business Management. He maintains professional certifications including CCNA, CCDA, MCSE, and Cisco Wireless LAN Design Specialist.
Graham's philosophy on technology reflects his approach: "Technology isn't about products or datasheets, it's about using a set of mind-blowing tools to solve real world problems—whether it's for the person at the desk next to you, or someone on the other side of the world."
