Cyber leader Fortinet opens first Innovation Hub in Asia-Pacific

Global cyber security leader Fortinet has opened its first Innovation Hub in the Asia-Pacific region. Based in North Sydney, the facility also serves as Fortinet’s Australian headquarters.

The A$75 million facility reflects Fortinet’s growing presence in the Australian market, where business has tripled over the past 5 years. The facility will support local partners and customers, including those from government, defence, and critical infrastructure, as well as the Five Eyes alliance.

‘The opening of Fortinet’s new Australian headquarters is a landmark moment and reflects the organisation’s deep commitment to Australia,’ says Dale Nachman, Country Manager, Australia. ‘It combines state-of-the-art capabilities, a focus on sustainability, and an unparalleled emphasis on training and innovation.’

Enhancing Australia’s cyber capabilities

The 4-Star Green Star Innovation Hub will host 200 employees and features:

• a high-tech data centre offering in-region sovereign hosting services, secure access service edge (SASE) capabilities, and Level 3 security data classification
• a second on-site data centre housing a Technical Assistance Centre to provide testing, simulations, and troubleshooting for customers.
• a dedicated cyber training facility, offering the Fortinet Training Institute’s certification programs. This initiative supports Fortinet’s pledge to train one million people in cyber security by the end of 2026.

Fortinet plans to partner with universities and vocational training centres across Australia to integrate cybersecurity education into curricula. 

The company will also partner with governments and private organisations to offer tailored training programs. It has a partnership with the South Australian Department of Education to provide all staff in the state’s government schools with comprehensive security awareness and training.

How Austrade helped

Austrade has worked with Fortinet since early 2023, facilitating the company’s engagement with a range of senior government and industry stakeholders as it progressed the establishment of its Australian Innovation Hub. Austrade also supported practical elements of business establishment, including connections to state government support, low-emissions energy providers, and data centre fit-out providers.

Cyber opportunities in Australia

Australia’s advanced cyber industry offers opportunities to build new cyber products and service customers in Australia and Asia. Australia offers investors a range of benefits, including a strong regulatory framework, high market growth, access to incentives, a rich pool of talent, and future-facing innovation advantages.