The first update report on the Department of Defence’s innovation programs has found them to be successfully advancing the Department’s capability and helping to grow Australian industry.
The update covers the Defence Innovation Hub, Next Generation Technologies Fund and Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC).
Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne congratulated the programs.
He said the Defence Innovation Hub had received more than 390 innovation proposals and awarded more than $53.5 million in contracts aligned to Defence’s strategic priorities for innovation investment.
He said the Next Generation Technologies Fund had deepened Defence research partnerships across Australia, receiving more than 800 proposals, funding collaborations with more than 40 companies, universities and publicly-funded research organisations.
The CDIC’s advisor network had assisted more than 750 businesses, with 75 per cent of those accessing tailored advisory services new to doing business with Defence.
“Through close collaboration, Defence, industry, and research organisations are delivering a strong, sustainable and innovative local industry which can meet Defence’s future research and capability needs,” Mr Pyne said.
“These programs represent a $1.6 billion commitment by the Government to harness the innovation and export potential of Australia’s Defence industry in support of Defence capability and I look forward to the continued success over the next decade.”
The 104-page update report can be accessed at this PS News link.
