DIN Pilot Project funding scheme is an annual, competitive program that supports cross-discipline university collaboration in New South Wales.

The key objective of the DIN Pilot Projects is to conduct a rapid feasibility study on new ideas for Defence and develop these ideas into concept or technology that can attract further investment from the government or industry. Pilot Projects should demonstrate high potential to satisfy an existing or emerging Defence capability need or an existing or emerging industry need.

Topics

Problem statements, which serve as a basis for a call-out for proposals, are sourced from Defence.

1_Collision avoidance between UUV and surface vessels
2_UAS swarm search strategies
3_Navy Operations Heads Up Interface
4_Human performance optimisation
5_Defence acquisition optimisation using quantum algorithms

Selection process

• Sandpit Workshops

DIN Sandpit Workshops bring together researchers, Defence and industry to identify important defence problems. Research problems are then pitched to the audience and challenged by experts during workshops. This allows attendees to understand the problem better and to create new collaborations with like-minded people.

Problem statements coming out of these events form the basis of the call for proposals.

• Application

Application for the DIN Pilot Project grant is a one stage process. Proposals should be submitted to info@defenceinnovationnetwork.com within published due date.

All applicants are expected to communicate with their DIN university coordinator and with the problem originator to ensure clarity of the project objectives. DIN can make these introductions on request.

• Assessment

All complete applications will be assessed by the DIN Technical Review Panel on a competitive basis relative to the criteria as outlined in the guidelines.

Timeline 2021-22:

23 Mar-21             Sandpit Workshops
19 Apr-21              Call for Proposals
31 May-21            Applications close
21 Jun-21              Technical Review Panel Assessment
28 Jun-21              Announcement of results
Jul-Sep-21             Contracting
01 Oct-21              Project start

Documents

DIN Pilot Project Guidelines- 21-22
DIN Pilot Project-Application Form