The Morrison Government is continuing to invest in Australian defence industries to ensure they are in a strong place to deliver new innovations in the post COVID-19 era.
Cutting-edge space technologies and radar systems are among eight new projects being developed by Australian industry through the Government’s $640m Defence Innovation Hub.
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP, said the new Defence Innovation Hub contracts announced today are worth more than $14.6 million.
“The latest tranche of investments includes seven contracts awarded to small businesses from across Australia and a contract with University of Technology Sydney,” Minister Price said.
“These contracts will support the development of a range of technologies that span areas such as space, electronic warfare, and power generation to build a more advanced and capable Defence Force.”
“More than $3 million has been awarded to NSW’s Jenkins Engineering Defence Systems to continue the development of its radar electronic support system.
“This technology has the potential to provide the Navy with a cost-effective system to automate warnings and determine the type and location of radar signals.
“South Australian based DEWC Systems has been awarded a $3.1 million contract to develop a sovereign, space tactical sensor system.”
The Defence Innovation Hub has awarded over $200 million in innovation contracts, with more than 80 per cent of this investment flowing to small Australian businesses.
Industry and research organisations can submit innovation proposals through the Defence Innovation Portal at: www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au.
Contracts announced today under the Defence Innovation Hub
| Organisation | State | Contract Value (GST incl.) |
Description of innovation |
| Jenkins Engineering Defence Systems Pty Ltd (JEDS) | NSW | $3.2 million | To continue the development of its radar electronic support system. If successful, this innovative technology has the potential to provide the Navy with a cost-effective system to automate warnings and determine the type and location of radar signals. |
| DEWC Systems Pty Ltd |
SA |
$3.1 million | To develop a sovereign, space-based tactical sensor system. If successful, this technology will enhance the ADF’s space capability in the space domain. |
| SYPAQ Systems Pty Ltd |
VIC |
$2.7 million | To continue the development of a sophisticated, small, lightweight unmanned aerial system that has the potential to enhance situational awareness in complex and rapidly changing environments. |
| SYPAQ Systems Pty Ltd |
VIC |
$2.2 million | To develop a small, lightweight next generation power generator. If successful, this technology will be suitable for individual soldiers and vehicle‑based forces, enhancing operational capacity through mobile power generation. |
| University of Technology Sydney | NSW | $1.2 million | To develop sensors and decoders which could allow for communication between human brains and robots. This technology has potential applications across multiple industries, including Defence capability, medical and bio-technology as well as education and training sectors. |
| Glia Diagnostics Pty Ltd |
VIC |
$1.1 million | To develop a medical test and sample collection device, that can be used to diagnose traumatic brain injury and concussion. This innovation could improve the diagnosis, triage and treatment outcomes for Defence personnel who may be impacted by traumatic brain injury. |
| Missions Systems Pty Ltd | NSW | $838,000 | To develop mine neutralisation technology which seeks to enhance the safety of ADF personnel in the maritime domain. |
| Imagine Intelligent Materials Ltd |
VIC |
$271,000 | To explore the application of advanced materials on military body armour. If successful, this technology could enhance the safety of Australian Defence Force members and reduce maintenance costs. |