Aspire by Catapult Wins $148k Contract to Develop Australia’s First Digital Innovation Diploma

Strategic Acquisition Bolsters AdNeo’s Education Portfolio

AdNeo Limited (ASX – AD1) has taken a decisive step in strengthening its foothold in the Australian vocational education sector with the acquisition of Aspire Group in September 2025. Now operating as Aspire by Catapult under the company’s Catapult Education brand, Aspire brings three decades of expertise in content development and course innovation, servicing over 150 vocational education and training (VET) providers.

A Landmark Contract Win with Bendigo Kangan Institute

Shortly after the acquisition, Aspire by Catapult secured a material contract valued at AU$148,000 with Bendigo Kangan Institute. The contract involves designing and delivering learning resources for nineteen competency units within a pioneering Advanced Diploma in Digital Innovation. This qualification is positioned as an Australian first, targeting critical skills gaps in the workforce and enabling graduates to gain certifications that enhance both vertical and horizontal career mobility.

The contract’s delivery deadline is set for mid-February 2026, with Aspire leveraging its in-house content development capabilities and rapid development methodologies to meet this ambitious timeline. The partnership with Bendigo Kangan Institute not only underscores Aspire’s reputation but also opens the door for potential future collaborations and contract expansions.

Capitalising on a Growing Vocational Education Market

The Australian vocational education sector is substantial, with an estimated market size of $13.3 billion and a steady growth rate of 3% from 2020 to 2025. With over 10,000 businesses and millions of students enrolled, the sector represents a fertile ground for AdNeo’s expansion strategy. Through Catapult, AdNeo currently serves more than 600 clients and offers the largest library of educational resources in the industry.

AdNeo’s growth strategy focuses on organic expansion, broadening its service offerings, and strategic acquisitions like Aspire. The company aims to evolve Catapult into a fully integrated service provider encompassing content, technology, compliance, and student acquisition services tailored for the VET and TAFE sectors.

Leadership Perspective and Future Outlook

CEO Angus Washington expressed confidence in the acquisition’s impact, highlighting Aspire’s rapid capability expansion and client base growth. He emphasized the significance of the Bendigo Kangan contract as a testament to Aspire’s industry relationships and innovative offerings, particularly in emerging areas such as AI, technology innovation, and digital growth hacking.

Looking ahead, AdNeo appears well-positioned to leverage Aspire’s strengths to capture further opportunities in the evolving vocational education landscape, potentially driving sustained revenue growth and market share gains.