Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT), an integrated biological intelligence business founded in Canberra, has been named ACT Exporter of the Year at the 2026 ACT Chief Minister's Export Awards.
DArT's founding innovation dramatically reduced the cost of, and increased access to, advanced genomics technologies for farmers, breeders, scientists and ecologists around the world.
Through combining genomics, software engineering, artificial intelligence and ecological analytics, DArT helps organisations solve complex challenges relating to food security, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation and environmental management.
Its technologies and services have supported more than 2,000 clients across 1,000 organisations to better understand genetic diversity, accelerate crop and animal improvement programs, monitor biodiversity, assess ecosystem health and make more informed sustainability decisions.
While operating as a commercial enterprise, DArT remains committed to its founding mission of improving food security and ecological sustainability in regions and communities with limited resources.
DArT's success sits alongside a diverse group of ACT exporters who are taking Canberra innovation, expertise and products to markets across Australia and around the world.
Canberra's exporters are helping drive the Territory's economic growth and international engagement. ACT exports have grown by an average of around 12.5 per cent a year over the past five years, while ACT services exports were worth almost $2.8 billion in 2024-25.
Education, tourism, professional services and technology-based industries continue to demonstrate the strength of Canberra's knowledge economy and its ability to compete in global markets. With growing opportunities emerging across Southeast Asia, India, Europe, the United Kingdom, China and the Pacific, ACT businesses are increasingly well positioned to expand their international reach and build new partnerships in some of the world's fastest-growing markets.
The Australian Government's trade agenda, including deeper engagement with ASEAN, the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, and the conclusion of negotiations on the Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement, is creating new opportunities for Canberra exporters.
Together, this year's category winners showcase the breadth and strength of the Territory's export sector. This year's category winners are:
- ACT Exporter of the Year: Diversity Arrays Technology
- ACT Promising Exporter (ACT only winners): Australian Membrane Transporter Engineers
- Agribusiness, Food and Beverages: HiveiQ
- Creative, Lifestyle and Design: Lifa Lab
- Digital and Smart Technologies: BixeLab
- Manufacturing and Advanced Materials: Liquid Instruments
- Professional Services: Jamala Wildlife Lodge
- Sustainability and Green Economy: Diversity Arrays Technology
- Emerging Exporter: Clubland Australia
- Regional Exporter: AgriGate Australia
- Small Business: PPB Technology
Winners of the ACT Chief Minister's Export Awards become national finalists at the Australian Export Awards.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister and Minister for Trade, Investment and the Knowledge Economy, Andrew Barr:
"Canberra's comparative advantage is our knowledge economy. Our strengths in higher education, research, professional services, cyber security, quantum technologies, space, defence and renewable energy allow us to compete globally from a relatively small city.
"ACT exports have grown by an average of around 12.5 per cent a year over the past five years, demonstrating the growing international competitiveness of Canberra businesses. In 2024-25, ACT services exports were worth almost $2.8 billion, led by education, tourism and other knowledge-intensive industries."
"As Australia's trade relationships continue to deepen across Southeast Asia, India, Europe, the United Kingdom, China and the Pacific, Canberra businesses are well placed to seize new opportunities in global markets and continue building our international reputation.
"DArT is a perfect example of how Canberra's strengths in research, innovation and technology can deliver global commercial success while also generating social and environmental benefits.
"I congratulate DArT, along with all the businesses recognised at this year's ACT Chief Minister's Export Awards. They are helping diversify our economy, strengthen our international connections and showcase Canberra innovation to the world."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell:
"Exporters play a vital role in Australia's economy. They create high-quality jobs, support local communities, and contribute to Australia's economy.
"This year's ACT Australian Export Awards applicants generated more than $90 million in export earnings in 2025/26.
"And those earnings represent jobs – 350 of them, across a wide variety of sectors including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, tourism, education technology and renewable energy.
"More trade means more jobs, more opportunity and more income. And with our new trade agreement with the European Union, I cant wait to see what ACT exporters do next as they access a market of 27 European countries and 450 million consumers."
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister's Export Awards judge and Chief Executive Officer of ACTivate CAPITAL, Ken Kroeger:
"The quality and diversity of this year's applicants is impressive, spanning sectors from advanced technology and agribusiness to renewable energy, education, creative industries and tourism.
"Together, these businesses support well over 200 jobs, create opportunities for our local suppliers and bring a diverse mix of ideas, cultures and enterprise to the ACT.
"Most importantly, they show that Canberra businesses can compete internationally while bringing the benefits of export growth back to the Territory."
