In what has become a fierce competition for the massive project, which will cost at least $50 billion over its lifetime, the French firm says it has already talked to at least 200 Australian firms and research institutions that could participate. The project will create at least 2900 jobs, it says.

France is pitted against Japan and Germany in the race, which has been marked by a campaign often as below the surface as the boats themselves, with unsourced claims and rumours flying back and forth.

The Defence Department is running a "competitive evaluation process", the results of which it will hand to the government in coming months to make a final decision.

DCNS chief executive Sean Costello told Fairfax Media at least 25 Victorian firms had been identified to supply things such as steel plating, cooling pump systems, logistics, software and ventilation.

"DCNS will work closely with the Australian government to transfer knowledge from France to Australia, ensure smooth intellectual property flows and achieve autonomy and sovereignty for Australia."

The French shipbuilder is offering Australia a conventional version of its 4000-tonne Barracuda nuclear submarine, which it promises will be quieter than its rivals because it uses underwater jet propulsion rather than propellers.

DCNS is holding a series of "innovation" meetings starting in Melbourne on Thursday at which 16 French companies will talk to Australian industry about working together.

Mr Turnbull has pitched "innovation" as one of his key themes for future economic growth.

While his predecessor, Tony Abbott, is widely believed to have favoured the Japanese bid, the leadership change has buoyed the French and German teams, who now believe there is a more level playing field.

All three bidders are still lobbying, with the German team in Canberra this week for meetings with Defence and government officials.

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