The QDSA-DIN Quantum Sensing Grant is designed to strengthen national collaboration and enhance research and development capabilities within Australia’s defence sector.
Jointly delivered by the Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA) and the NSW Defence Innovation Network (DIN), the program promotes cross-institutional and cross-state partnerships by connecting researchers from QDSA and DIN member universities to co-develop innovative solutions aligned with Defence’s Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) priority areas.
The grant supports multi-disciplinary teams to undertake early-stage research at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 2 to 5, over a period of 12 to 18 months.
The program aims to validate the scientific and technical potential of novel concepts, helping bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical defence applications. Projects are expected to generate promising outcomes that position them for further investment and development beyond the grant’s completion.
Eligibility
Applications for the QDSA-DIN Quantum Sensing Grant are open to eligible research applicants from the following universities within the Australian Defence Science and Universities Network (ADSUN):
Queensland and Northern Territory
- Griffith University
- Charles Darwin University
- James Cook University
- University of Queensland
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- University of Southern Queensland
New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory
- Australian National University
- Charles Sturt University
- Macquarie University
- University of Newcastle
- University of New South Wales
- University of Sydney
- University of Technology Sydney
- University of Wollongong
- Western Sydney University
Focus Area
Theme: Quantum Sensing for Extreme Environments
Proposed projects will investigate sensor performance and optimisation under harsh conditions. They are expected to conclude with a field demonstration.
Operational environments would include hot, humid and dusty climates as well as those with large temperature variations. Systems would also be expected to operate effectively under high acceleration/large g-forces. At the same time, desirable characteristics include robustness, low size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) and high availability.
Potential Defence applications include:
- Autonomous systems
- Undersea navigation
- Subsurface detection
- Hypersonic vehicles
- Radio frequency sensing
Refer to the guidelines for more information.
Key Dates
- Call for proposals open: 12 June 2026
- Information briefing: 17 June 2026 – Register here
- Call for proposals close: 20 July 2026 (5:00 pm AEST)
- Proposals assessed: 16-30 August 2026
- Results announced: 07 September 2026
- Project start: January 2027
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the QDSA portal.
Researchers seeking collaborators across QDSA and DIN networks are encouraged to get in touch prior to submission, outlining the expertise they seek.
An Information Briefing will be held on 17 June 2026, 2.00 – 3.00 PM, providing an overview of the grant, application requirements, and an opportunity to ask questions. Register here.
