The Australian Government is making a significant investment in local innovation, focusing on quantum and counter-disinformation technologies to give defence a technological edge while fostering a future built in Australia.
Under the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator’s (ASCA) Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDT) program, 21 contracts worth over $60 million have been signed with Australian universities and industry partners, the government revealed in a news release.
This initiative aligns with key priorities outlined in the National Defence Strategy and Asymmetric Advantage – Delivering More, Together, the Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy.
“Through the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, the Government is driving cutting-edge research and development and capability delivery that is aligned with Defence priorities and a future made in Australia,” said Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy.
The EDT program aims to push the frontiers of scientific knowledge to develop new and existing capabilities, ensuring Australia remains prepared for emerging threats.
The initiative fosters collaboration between scientists, military end-users, and innovators to shape the nation’s defence innovation ecosystem positively.
Recipients of these contracts span the nation, including:
- Analog Quantum Circuits (QLD): Specialising in designing and fabricating superconducting devices for quantum computing.
- Consunet Pty Ltd (SA): Focused on advancements in electromagnetic warfare and spectrum management.
- Nomad Atomics (VIC): Innovating in high-precision quantum sensors.
- Q-CTRL Pty Ltd (NSW): Tackling the challenges of quantum technology to accelerate hardware performance and pathways to useful applications.
Pat Conroy emphasised the importance of such partnerships, noting, “Defence is working with industry and research partners to develop solutions that can provide our soldiers, sailors and aviators with an asymmetric advantage on the battlefield.”
The EDT program attracted 179 proposals from across Australia’s science and technology ecosystem, underscoring the breadth of national talent.
ASCA’s next call-out for EDT proposals will continue to seek innovative solutions that support decision-making advantages for Defence.
