RFAs: Activator Fund for Defence Technology Development (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Oct-26

The Activator Fund provides grants for collaborative projects in South Australia that address significant defence challenges and support the development of innovative technologies. The fund aims to strengthen South Australia’s ability to participate in large-scale innovation activities by supporting collaborative research and development. It seeks to accelerate the transition of emerging technologies into operational defence capabilities while contributing to the continued growth of the state’s innovation ecosystem.

About the Activator Fund

The Activator Fund was established to strengthen South Australia’s capacity to respond to critical challenges facing the defence sector. Through support for collaborative research and development, the fund aims to: - Address significant defence challenges. - Accelerate technology development. - Support the transition of new technologies into operational capabilities. - Strengthen collaboration between universities, industry, and Defence. - Stimulate continued growth within South Australia’s innovation ecosystem. Projects must involve the required university, industry, and Australian Department of Defence partners. How Much Funding Is Available? Up to $1.6 million is available in this funding round. Applicants can request up to $800,000 per project. Funding must be matched on a 1:1 basis by applicants through cash and/or eligible in-kind contributions. Matching contributions may include support from the Australian Department of Defence. Priority Areas for This Round This round focuses on technologies that address sophisticated unmanned aerial system (UAS) threats. Priority areas include solutions that improve the ability to: - Track complex UAS threats. - Understand UAS activity and threats. - Improve decision advantage against UAS threats. - Detect sophisticated UAS technologies. - Sense and identify emerging UAS threats. - Develop layered effects to counter UAS technologies. Areas of Interest The fund is particularly interested in technology solutions involving advanced sensing, tracking, artificial intelligence, and resilient networks.

Areas of interest include:

- Multi-target tracking algorithms. - Sensor fusion. - Edge-based artificial intelligence detection. - Resilient sensing networks. - Advanced detection technologies. - Advanced sensing technologies. - Layered effects for countering sophisticated UAS technologies. Projects should demonstrate how the proposed technology can contribute to addressing complex defence challenges. Collaborative Research and Development The Activator Fund is designed to support collaboration between research institutions, industry, and Defence.

Eligible proposals must bring together:

- At least one South Australian university. - At least one South Australia-based industry partner. - The Australian Department of Defence as a partner organisation. This collaborative structure is intended to strengthen connections between research capability, commercial expertise, and operational defence requirements. Who Can Lead a Project? The lead organisation must fall into one of two categories: - A South Australian public university, or - A South Australian-based business with relevant operations. The lead organisation must have the appropriate capabilities and operational connection to deliver the proposed project. Project Location The majority of project work must be conducted in South Australia. However, some project contributions may be used for work undertaken outside the state where necessary. Applicants should demonstrate that the project has a strong South Australian focus and contributes to the state’s innovation and defence ecosystem. Project Duration Projects are expected to be completed within 12 months of the funding agreement being signed. Applicants should therefore present a clear and achievable project plan that demonstrates how the proposed research and development activities can be completed within this timeframe. Matching Contribution Requirement

All funding must be matched 1: 1 by applicants.

Matching contributions can be provided through: - Cash contributions. - In-kind contributions. - Eligible support from the Australian Department of Defence. Applicants should ensure that their matching contribution arrangements are clearly identified and demonstrate the resources available to deliver the project. How to Prepare a Strong Proposal A strong Activator Fund proposal should clearly demonstrate the defence challenge being addressed and explain how the proposed technology can contribute to a practical solution.

Applicants should clearly describe:

- The critical defence challenge. - The proposed technological solution. - The innovation involved. - The role of each project partner. - The involvement of the South Australian university. - The contribution of the industry partner. - The role of the Australian Department of Defence. - The proposed research and development activities. - The expected operational capability or benefit.

- The 1: 1 matching contribution.

- How most project activities will be undertaken in South Australia. - How the project will be completed within 12 months. Why the Activator Fund Matters The Activator Fund supports the development of technologies that can help address emerging and complex defence challenges. By bringing universities, industry, and Defence together, the fund can help connect research and innovation with operational requirements. The programme also seeks to strengthen South Australia’s broader innovation ecosystem and encourage continued technology development within the state. Key Facts About the Activator Fund

- Programme: Activator Fund

- Location: South Australia

- Total funding available: Up to $1.6 million

- Maximum per project: $800,000

- Matching requirement: 1:1

- Matching contributions: Cash and/or in-kind contributions

- Possible matching support: Australian Department of Defence

- Project duration: Within 12 months of the funding agreement bein