The Defence Innovation Network (DIN) and Defence Science Institute (DSI) are calling for collaborative proposals led by member universities across the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria to enhance Australia’s Undersea Warfare Capabilities.
Up to $400,000 per proposal is available to support innovative projects that will contribute to sovereign capabilities across selected Defence’s priority areas, including underwater sensing, communication, navigation and power for autonomous platforms.
Background
Supported by the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), the Australian Defence Science and Universities Network (ADSUN) aims to strengthen national collaboration and uplift research and development capabilities in the defence sector across Australian states.
To support this initiative, DIN and DSI have partnered to launch a joint collaborative funding scheme—the ADSUN Innovation Grant. This program aims to foster cross-institutional and cross-state collaboration by connecting researchers from DIN and DSI member universities to co-develop innovative solutions aligned with one of Defence’s Innovation, Science, and Technology (IS&T) priority areas.
Purpose
The grant will support collaborative teams in conducting a feasibility study for Defence, focused on early-stage research at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1 to 5 within a timeframe of 12 to 18 months. The program aims to validate the scientific and technical potential of novel concepts, helping to bridge the gap between fundamental research and applied defence solutions. Projects are expected to generate promising outcomes that position them for further investment and development beyond the grant’s completion.
Topic
Working Under Water- bringing advances in sensing, communication, navigation and power for autonomous platforms to operate confidently in the subsea environment.
DSI and DIN are seeking proposals for research on ways to expand the use of the subsea environment by:
- Providing increased awareness of objects and obstacles under the oceans through novel sensing methods;
- Improving long-distance, secure underwater communications;
- Developing strategies and sensors for sub-surface navigation (GPS denied);
- Extending range and operational capability through application of novel power generation, energy harvesting, energy storage/transfer, and propulsion.
Eligibility
The grant is open to collaborative teams led by DIN and DSI member universities. There is a minimum requirement for the team to include at least one DIN and one DSI member university. Participation of industry partners and other ADSUN universities is encouraged.
Individual researchers
All project participants must be citizens of the Five Eyes Alliance (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States) or NATO member countries.
Selection criteria
- Vision, Ambition & Innovation
- Leadership & Team Quality
- Impact
- The commitment of collaborators.
How to apply
Proposals must be submitted electronically by 5 pm, 11 August 2025, to info@defenceinnovationnetwork.com
Applicants seeking collaborative partners are encouraged to contact DIN or DSI, outlining their capabilities and the specific expertise they are looking to connect with.
For assistance, please reach out to:
- Defence Innovation Network info@defenceinnovationnetwork.com
- Defence Science Institute dsi.info@defencescienceinstitute.com
Info Seminar will be held online at 10.00 am (AEST) on Thursday, 10 July 2025. Registration closes on 9 July 2025. Applicants should register via this link
Indicative Timeline
30 June 2025 Call for proposals is published
10 July 2025 Info Seminar
11 August 2025 Proposals due date
August- September 2025 Assessment process
25 September Results Announcement
October – December 2025 Contracting
1 January 2026 Project start
Call documents
