TechTalk: Seismic sensors, AI and the New Frontline of Modern Defence w/ Daniel Stevens (Founder of Seitec)
This is an invite‑only event for investors interested in frontier opportunities in DeepTech. Register your interest today. Approval Required.
Co-hosts: UNSW Barker Street Ventures, The Pillars
Event Details
Three global forces are converging to drive Australia’s defence technology boom: rapid advances in AI, cheaper and more energy-efficient hardware, and a sharp rise in global defence spending amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
Increasingly, the most impactful defence capabilities are emerging not from traditional primes, but from founders who can move at the pace of contested environments. People with real frontline experience, deep technical insight, and a willingness to build dual-use technologies that can move fast in both civilian and defence contexts.
In collaboration with The Pillars, our next TechTalk features Daniel Stevens, Founder and CEO of Seitec, in conversation with Divine Aaron of Folklore. Daniel will share candid insights from his journey from Air Force technician to founder, and what it takes to build a dual-use company in one of the world’s most security-sensitive sectors.
This TechTalk will explore:
Seitec’s sensor technology and its role in the defence stack
What it really means to build a dual-use company
The realities of operating in a world of “small wars,” classified needs, and fast-moving threats
Who is reaching out and where global demand for defence technology is growing
This conversation offers a rare, founder-level perspective on the technologies, partnerships, and strategic decisions shaping the next generation of defence innovation and Australia’s place in a rapidly evolving global security landscape.
Agenda:
5:00PM Doors open
5:20PM Fireside Chat w/ Daniel Stevens (Founder @ Seitec), moderated by Divine Aaron (Investor @ Folklore)
Networking to follow
About
Seitec (Website)
Seitec is a Canberra‑based defence technology company developing advanced systems for detecting and locating unexploded ordnance on weapons ranges. Seitec’s flagship platform, UXOTrackS, uses seismic sensing and intelligent signal‑processing to identify UXO impacts in real time, improving range safety and reducing clearance costs for Defence operators. This technology has now evolved into a product called Nightingale which can detect human footsteps, vehicles, drones and aircraft.
Daniel Stevens
Daniel Stevens is the Founder and CEO of Seitec. Founded in 2021 after a 20‑year career in the Royal Australian Air Force, where he worked across avionics, electronics engineering, and innovation programs including Jericho. His experience on Air Weapons Ranges led to the original concept for UXOTrackS, combining deep technical capability with firsthand operational insight. Today he leads Seitec’s technical and commercial development as the company scales its impact across Australia’s defence and environmental safety sectors.
Folklore Ventures (Website)
Folklore Ventures is an Australian VC firm backing ambitious ANZ founders from first cheque to forever, investing early in software‑led and advanced technology companies. Their portfolio includes standout teams such as Hullbot, Ansarada, Uptick and more.
Recently they have published the Australian Startup Funding Report alongside Cut Through Ventures to help founders and investors understand the evolving capital landscape in Australia.
Divine Aaron
Divine is an investor at Folklore Ventures. With experience spanning venture capital, private equity, and strategy consulting, Divine has worked on deals ranging from seed investments to $1B+ acquisitions. At Software Combined Group, she built the deal sourcing function and supported B2B SaaS acquisitions across APAC and Europe. Prior to investing, she was a consultant at L.E.K., advising on M&A due diligence and market entry strategies.
Divine began her career in neuroscience research, contributing to discoveries in Parkinson's Disease and schizophrenia at leading Australian research institutes.
Barker Street Ventures (Website)
Barker Street Ventures is an investment platform giving sophisticated investors to access DeepTech spinouts and UNSW research. Most people never get the chance to invest early in Australia's best research. We're here to change that.
If you have any further questions, please reach out to [email protected]