A new $730 million Next Generation Technologies Fund was launched today to invest in Australian defence capability and innovation. 

The new fund is designed to provide creative solutions to Defence needs and benefit Australian industry. 

“As our enemies devise new ways to attack, our Defence Force must have advanced ways to respond and overcome new threats,” Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP said.

“This fund will draw on the collective scientific expertise of our nation across both industry and university sectors, to give the Australian Defence Force (ADF) a winning edge with advanced technologies,” he added. 

Nine technology areas in the research fund include cyber security, space capabilities, quantum technologies, autonomous systems, enhanced human performance, medical countermeasures, multi-disciplinary material sciences, integrated intelligence including surveillance and reconnaissance and advanced sensors, hypersonics and directed energy capabilities. 

The program will commence with the Government investing $16.8 million by June 2017. 

Improvised Threats that ADF will deal with are not just explosive devices and include chemical and biological hazards.  

Small and large companies and academic researchers will work with ADF to pursue large mission-focused projects. 

Next Generation Technologies Fund will establish Defence Cooperative Research Centres, university research networks, Defence research accelerator scheme, innovative research initiative for small businesses and expanded technology fore-sighting activities. 

“There are range of opportunities for universities and companies to contribute innovative technology solutions to defeat future threats, many of which are not even on the radar today,” Minister Pyne said.