SA research fund aims to inspire defence innovation

The first Activator project theme aligns with the undersea warfare and trusted autonomy priorities of the Defence Innovation, Science and Technology program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Defence and Space Industries Susan Close said the fund will create opportunities for greater investment, spin-offs into local industry, dual use into non-defence sectors, and supply for international defence and space programs.

“South Australia has real research strengths in undersea sensors, undersea autonomy, and machine learning. The Activator Fund will leverage those strengths to develop new technologies that will directly benefit our Defence Force,” she said.

“As a nation, we need to accelerate technology development towards future operational capabilities and the Activator Fund will enable this more rapid transition.”

Up to $1.6 million will be available from the fund for the initial “Remote Undersea Surveillance Data Processing, Analysis and Networking” project and successful applicants are required to provide matching co-contributions to support larger scale research.

Proposals will be sought from a consortia led by South Australian universities, industry, and involving Department of Defence partners, as well as other national and international partners.

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Dr David Kershaw, chief science strategic planning and engagement of the Defence Science and Technology Group, said Australia’s Defence innovation, science and technology program is focused on delivering innovative Australian solutions to national security challenges.

“The Activator Fund is a positive initiative. It aligns closely with Defence’s Science and Technology Strategy,” Dr Kershaw said.

“By developing partnerships across academia, industry, and defence, it will enable scale to focus on priority Defence challenges and deliver impact by developing transformative technologies.”

A workshop will be held on Tuesday, 20 June for interested parties to meet potential project partners, discuss challenges, and learn about the grant application and selection process.

Activator applications will open on 26 June, with a closing date later this year on 4 August.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.