The Defence Innovation Network has launched its 2026-27 Pilot Projects Call, inviting researchers from member universities to develop innovative solutions to real-world Defence and national security challenges. The program supports early-stage collaborative research that can demonstrate feasibility, establish new partnerships, and position teams for future funding from Defence, industry, and government.
With funding of up to $150,000 per project, the call aims to bring together researchers from multiple disciplines and institutions to tackle priority challenge statements identified by Defence & National Security stakeholders.
Research Challenge Topics
- Engineering Biology For Sustainable Power Generation
- From Bias To Backdoor: Detecting Covert Behavioural Shaping In Language Models
- Deployable Low-Attribution Communications For Cyber Incident Response Teams
- Agent-Agnostic Detection and Characterisation of Emerging Biological Threats
Who Can Apply?
Applications must be led by a DIN member university and include collaboration with at least one other DIN member university. Researchers are encouraged to form multidisciplinary teams that combine complementary expertise and demonstrate a clear pathway towards Defence impact and future translation.
All participants must meet the citizenship eligibility criteria as described in the guidelines.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
- Identified need in Defence
- Potential for impact and implementation
- Novelty and potential to become world-leading
- Technical and scientific merit, risk, and team capability
Looking for Collaborators?
Researchers seeking collaborators can submit a Collaboration Interest Form by 20 October 2026. DIN will facilitate introductions between researchers with complementary expertise, helping to build competitive teams for the call.
Key Dates
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 20 October 2026 | Collaboration Interest Form closes |
| 13 November 2026 | Applications due |
| 10 December 2026 | Technical Review Panel assessment |
| 21 December 2026 | Outcomes announced |
| January-March 2027 | Contracting |
| 1 April 2027 | Projects commence |
How to Apply
Applicants should review the Pilot Projects Guidelines and Application Form before submitting their proposal. Applications must be submitted electronically to DIN by 5:00 pm on 13 November 2026.
University support letters are required from all participating institutions.
