The DIN Pilot Project funding program is an annual, competitive program that supports cross-discipline university collaboration in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

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 concepts or technology that can attract further external investment. 

Topics

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

Problem Statements for 2025 will be announced in February 2025.

Application process

• Sandpit Workshop (4 March 2025)

DIN Sandpit Workshop brings together researchers, Defence and industry to identify essential defence problems. During workshops, research problems are discussed and refined by the audience. This allows attendees to understand the need better and create new collaborations with like-minded people.

Discussed problem statements form the basis of the call for proposals announced after the workshop.

• Application

Proposals should be submitted to info@defenceinnovationnetwork.com by 1 May 2025.

All applicants are expected to communicate with their DIN university coordinator and the problem originator to ensure clarity of the project objectives. DIN can make these introductions on request. Applicants must also submit support letters from their universities as a part of their application.

• Assessment

The DIN Technical Review Panel will assess all complete applications competitively relative to the criteria outlined in the guidelines.

Anticipated timeline for 2025

• 04-Mar-25    Sandpit Workshop
• 24- Mar-25   Call for Proposals
• 1-May-25     Applications due date
• 17- Jun-25    Technical Review Panel Assessment
• 23-Jun-25     Result announcement
• Jul-Sep-25    Contracting
• 01-Oct-25    Project Start

Documents

To be released.