DIP, DSTG launch new R&D Activator Fund

The Adelaide-based Defence Innovation Partnership (DIP), in collaboration with Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), has launched a new $1.6 million Activator Fund.

The Activator Fund, which calls for dollar-matched co-contributions from grant winners, will build on South Australia’s R&D strengths and aligns with the undersea warfare and trusted autonomy priorities of the Defence Innovation, Science and Technology program. It aims to enable more rapid transition of technology developments into operational Defence capabilities.

Applications for the fund will open on 26 June with a closing date of 4 August 2023.

This will be achieved through:

• developing and applying transferable novel research to Defence and adjacent sectors
• establishing partnerships with leading researchers and innovators nationally and internationally.

The first Activator Fund theme is Remote Undersea Surveillance Data Processing, Analysis and Networking – this topic is of vital interest to the RAN and is one of six Advanced Capabilities identified as priorities for joint R&D and acquisition in AUKUS Pillar 2.

This project will advance novel approaches to support development of an undersea situational awareness picture from sensor data. The focus is on autonomous sensor processing, collaborative sensing, distributed sensor networks and mission planning.

Proposals will be sought from consortia led by South Australian universities and industry and involving Department of Defence partners and other national and international partners. Up to $1.6 million will be available from the Activator Fund for the first theme, and successful applicants will be required to provide matching co-contributions.

The Activator Fund principals will hold a workshop Tuesday 20 June 2023, 0900 – 1500 ACST (with a networking lunch built in) to hear about the challenges, meet potential project partners and learn about the grant application and selection process.

To learn more and to register for the workshop visit the DIP web site.

Applications for the fund will open on 26 June with a closing date of 4 August 2023.