MEDIA RELEASE

Defence Trailblazer’s new Accelerating Sovereign Industrial Capabilities (ASIC) grant funding program will enable businesses to fast-track the translation of defence research & development (R&D) activities for the delivery of capabilities aligned to the new Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities (SDIPs).

“The Defence Industry Development Strategy states that developing the sovereign defence industrial base Australia needs to meet our strategic circumstances requires targeted industrial development in areas of strategic priority. The ASIC program aims to enable faster commercialisation of larger scale defence R&D activities and collaborations aligned to the new strategic priority capabilities Defence requires,” says Executive Director, Dr Sanjay Mazumdar.

Project proposals will be sought by industry (i.e. organisations with an ABN/ACN) based in Australia, and involving at least one Defence Trailblazer research university (University of Adelaide and/or UNSW). New industry partners are encouraged, but existing partners can also apply; collaborative projects involving one or more industry partners are highly encouraged.

Up to $12 million in funding will be available. Successful applicants will be required to provide matching cash co-contributions. Preference will be given to proposals that demonstrate ability to build scale in R&D with a stronger weighting given towards small-medium enterprise (SME) led and multi-party project proposals. Defence Trailblazer can assist in finding appropriate capabilities at universities and existing industry partners.

Access to Defence Trailblazer’s workforce skilling and attraction initiatives including student projects and placements, proto-lab network (facilities and equipment) and the staff mobility program is also available and can be included in project proposals.

The Defence Trailblazer is a collaborative partnership between the University of Adelaide and UNSW, supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Education. In collaboration with over 50 industry partners, academia and government, the Defence Trailblazer aims to strengthen Australia’s defence capabilities by developing cutting-edge technologies and solutions, while simultaneously equipping the next generation of innovators with specialised knowledge and skills to meet the current and future needs of Defence.

An online information session about the program will be held on Wednesday 5 June 1:00pm-2:00pm AEST, for interested parties to hear about priorities, meet potential project research partners and learn more about the grant application and selection process(es).

Applications for the ASIC program will open on 28 May 2024 with a closing date of 10 July 2024.

For more information and to register for the workshop see: dtb.solutions/asic