AI Revolutionizes Defence Industry Compliance

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – November 02, 2025 – Australian AI company Trellis Data has launched its ‘DISP Assessor’ tool, an AI-powered platform designed to accelerate and simplify the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) accreditation process for businesses seeking to work with the Australian Defence Force. This launch comes at a pivotal time, as the Australian Defence landscape anticipates significant growth driven by programs like AUKUS, increasing the demand for secure and compliant supply chain participants.

Streamlining a Complex Accreditation Process

The DISP program, managed by the Department of Defence, is a critical framework for protecting classified and sensitive information within the Australian defence industry. Achieving DISP accreditation is often a complex, time-consuming, and costly undertaking, particularly for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The process involves a rigorous assessment of personnel, physical, information, and cyber security, requiring extensive documentation and expert knowledge.

Trellis Data’s DISP Assessor aims to address these challenges by leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence. The platform utilizes advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) to automatically analyze existing documentation, map it to DISP requirements, and generate a detailed report highlighting gaps and areas for improvement. This automated assessment significantly reduces the time and effort required for manual review, freeing up resources and accelerating the accreditation process. “Traditionally, this has been a really manual and intensive process, requiring a lot of people hours to go through documentation,” stated an industry source familiar with the DISP program. “Anything that can automate some of that heavy lifting is going to be a big win.”

Expanding Access for SMEs and Boosting Defence Capability

The launch of the DISP Assessor comes as the Australian Defence Force seeks to broaden its supplier base and encourage greater participation from SMEs. With the AUKUS security pact driving increased investment in defence technologies, the demand for secure and compliant suppliers is expected to double in the next 3-5 years. However, the complexity of the DISP accreditation process has historically presented a barrier to entry for many smaller businesses.

By streamlining the accreditation process, Trellis Data’s tool aims to lower these barriers and encourage greater SME participation. This, in turn, will contribute to a more robust and competitive defence supply chain, fostering innovation and driving economic growth. “SMEs are vital to the defence industry, bringing agility and specialized expertise,” noted a cybersecurity professional specializing in defence compliance. “If we can make it easier for them to meet security requirements, we unlock a huge amount of potential.”

Data Sovereignty and Secure AI

The importance of data sovereignty is paramount in the context of national security. Trellis Data’s DISP Assessor is a fully Australian-hosted solution, ensuring that sensitive data remains within the country’s borders. This aligns with government regulations and addresses growing concerns about data privacy and security. Furthermore, the company’s focus on ‘trusted AI’ – AI systems that are explainable, reliable, and secure – further enhances the platform’s credibility. “There's a real focus on ensuring that AI is used responsibly and ethically, particularly in sensitive areas like defence,” said a government official involved in the development of security standards. “Companies that prioritize data sovereignty and trust are going to be well-positioned to succeed.”

The company has raised $4.5 million in funding, including grants and venture capital, demonstrating investor confidence in its technology and vision. This funding will enable Trellis Data to further develop its platform, expand its customer base, and contribute to the growth of Australia’s defence industry. While the tool is newly launched, industry experts suggest its AI-driven assessment and focus on data sovereignty position it uniquely within a competitive landscape. While other firms offer DISP compliance support, many rely on manual processes or consulting services. Trellis Data differentiates itself by automating the assessment process and ensuring that all data remains within Australia, offering a compelling solution for businesses seeking to meet stringent security requirements. “The ability to automatically analyze documentation and identify gaps is a game-changer,” commented a security consultant. “It’s going to save businesses a lot of time and money, and it’s going to help them improve their security posture.”

While independent case studies validating the tool’s time and cost savings are still forthcoming, the potential benefits are clear. By automating the assessment process, streamlining documentation, and ensuring data sovereignty, Trellis Data’s DISP Assessor is poised to become a valuable asset for businesses seeking to participate in Australia’s growing defence industry.