Funding details
Forward Deployed announced its $1 million funding round on 27 October 2026. The capital comes from two investors, Innovation Victoria and Swinburne University of Technology, who each provided $500,000 through Innovation Victoria's University Innovation Platform.
The startup will use the capital for the development and validation of its platform towards production, as well as to support its commercial growth.
Chemical threat sensing technology
Forward Deployed develops chemical threat detection systems designed for use in hostile or hazardous environments. Its platform, named DINGO (Deployable Infrared Gas Observer), combines chemical sensing hardware built for field use with real-time software.
The technology offers laboratory-grade sensitivity and converts complex sensing data into usable threat information within seconds. The system is designed to be deployed where detection is required, including integration alongside autonomous systems.
While the business is currently focused on national security, its technology has potential future applications in biosecurity, agriculture, mining and construction.
Company history and growth
The Melbourne, Australia-based startup was founded in 2023 by chief executive officer Richard Hebden and chief technology officer Alex Barry, who are Swinburne alumni. The executive team also includes chief growth officer Liam Eldon. Forward Deployed works with Swinburne University on autonomous sensing and data processing using the DINGO hardware.
Forward Deployed already holds commercial contracts across Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.