NSW Defence Innovation Network is calling for collaborative proposals in the field of Cyber security and Undersea surveillance. Through its Strategic Investment Initiative, DIN will invest $1million of research funding in developing cutting-edge prototypes for defence use. 
Background
With the recent announcement of Cyber Security and Undersea Surveillance being priority areas for the Defence investment, the Defence Innovation Network (DIN) has established the Strategic Investment Initiative (SII).
The purpose of the SII is to enable multi-disciplinary teams to produce two prototypes, to create lasting links to the defence industry, to catalyse commercialisation and additional investment in research and development in NSW.
A key objective is to build capability in the State by funding collaborative research that will enable a prototype to be made within a 12-18 month timeframe, suitable for a ‘demonstration’ of the new capability of the integrated system.
The Initiative is funded by the NSW Government and the Department of Defence through the Next Generation Technologies Fund.
Topics
Project proposals should be scoped only within the following topics:
Eligibility
Lead organisation
Proposals must demonstrate multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional collaboration. Projects must be led by DIN university with substantive inputs from at minimum two DIN universities in total.
Project teams may include Australian businesses and non-DIN member university researchers.
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.
Citizens of countries not covered by the named treaties are subject to approval by the DIN.
Selection criteria
- Vision, Ambition & Innovation
- Leadership & Team Quality
- Impact
- The commitment of collaborators.
Application process
The application form is available on request at info@defenceinnovationnetwork.com.
Researchers and defence industry interested in participating in the call should contact DIN to register their interest. DIN will be able to connect interested parties with other potential team members on request.
Completed proposals must be submitted electronically by 5 pm, 5 March 2021 to info@defenceinnovationnetwork.com.
Indicative Timeline
30-Nov-20 Call for Proposals
05-Mar-21 Applications close
29-Apr-21 Expert Panel Assessment
14-May-21 DIN Steering Committee Approval
17-May-21 Successful Applicants announced
May-Aug-21 Contracting
01-Sep-21 Project start
