DIN is calling for proposals from small–to–medium enterprises (SMEs) to work with university partners to accelerate the development of early-stage technology concepts that can bring innovative solutions to Defence. Up to $50,000 in matched funding will be available to the business to work with NSW universities.

BENEFITS OF THIS SCHEME

– Accelerate the development of your next innovation
 – Access to world-leading R&D capabilities and facilities at major universities
 – Alignment of university R&D to your needs

 

WHO CAN APPLY: HOW TO APPLY:
SMEs wishing to apply, must:

  • Be a small-to medium-enterprise with an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN)
  • Be located in NSW
Proposals should be submitted to info@defenceinnovationnetwork.com/din, by the due date 30 May 2019 using the template provided.

 

OVERVIEW

The purpose of the DIN Seed Projects is to grow defence industry capability within NSW. DIN support for Seed Projects is based on a co-investment model, where Seed funding of up to $50,000 per project will be made available on a competitive basis and will require a commitment of matching funds from the industry partner.

Proposals should be co-developed by industry and one or more DIN university research teams, with the Defence SME as a lead applicant. DIN can assist to locate such expertise among our member universities, on request.

Projects should be scoped to deliver outcomes within 6-8 months. To ensure substantive progress towards realistic goals, projects may be aimed towards a long-term program of research that will be well-placed for future funding initiatives.

WHY TO APPLY

Access to world-leading research expertise and facilities

Connect with lead scientists & research talent at NSW universities, access the latest research results and build long-term strategic relationships.

Find the next big opportunity

Seed early stage project and get a head start on the competition by accessing cutting-edge research that will help to move your product from laboratory to the market.

Research support allowance

Gain up to $50,000 towards your research project and potentially get access to other funding streams.

SELECTION CRITERIA

To be successful, industry proposals for Seed Projects must meet the DIN’s selection criteria below. Areas deemed to have the greatest potential for Defence innovation fall into the Next Generation Technologies Fund portfolio.

– Identified need in Defence (technology or capability)
– Novelty and potential to become world leading
– Technical / Scientific Merits, Scientific and Technical Risk, Best Collaborative Team
– Potential for impact and implementation pathway
– Capacity and capability of the SME to commercialise project IP

TIMELINE

Seed Timeline

IP MANAGEMENT

It is recognised that each project and its IP requirements will be dealt with on a case by case basis. In general, IP management in DIN co-funded projects will be broadly aligned with the IP policies of the Defence Innovation Hub. In general, Project IP will be owned and managed by companies contributing to the project. Owners of project IP have the right to commercialise the IP. DIN members retain a royalty-free license in perpetuity to pursue research that uses or builds on project IP.

Access to background IP necessary to implement project IP will be negotiated between the owner of the Project IP and the owner of the background IP on a case by case basis. In general, it is agreed that owners of background IP will provide access to such background IP, subject only to the terms of access being negotiated in good faith.

To facilitate IP management and commercialisation, project-specific non-disclosure agreements, licence term sheets regarding background IP, and foreground IP arrangements will be executed and retained by the DIN and the participating DIN members.

 SUCCESSFUL PROPOSALS

We will notify you of the outcome of your application within 5 business days of the Technical Review Panel decision.

For successful proposals, research contracts will be drawn up between SME and Leading University and between Leading University and funding body (DIN). Individual universities will be requested to liaise directly with their partner SMEs to discuss research contracting and management. All contracts must be signed within 30 days of receipt of draft contracts.

Funds from the Defence Innovation Network will be paid to the employing institution of the leading academic researcher. Matching funds from the successful proposing SME must also be paid to the employing institution of the leading academic researcher.

ATTACHMENTS

01_DIN Seed Project-Grant Procedures
02_DIN Seed Project – Application Form

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