Up to $1.6 million for projects that align with Defence innovation, science, and technology priorities for rapid transition of technology developments towards future operational capabilities.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Activator Fund – Defence Innovation Partnership (AFDIP)?
The Activator Fund aims to activate South Australia’s defence innovation ecosystem by supporting collaborative projects that address significant challenges facing Defence. The Fund supports projects that align with Defence innovation, science, and technology priorities and aims to enable rapid transition of technology developments towards future operational capabilities.
The program will focus on two themes:
Theme 1 Understanding and countering influence
- This theme focuses on building good relationships and statecraft in the Indo-Pacific region, detecting and countering disinformation, and addressing societal polarisation.
Theme 2 Scalable distributed active sensing and sensemaking systems
- This theme focuses on developing and prototyping distributed active sensing and control systems for early warning and identification of potential hazards, with an initial focus on chemical hazards.
AFDIP level of support
- Total Funding Available: Up to $800,000, split between two key challenges.
- Individual Project Funding: Approximately $400,000 per project.
- Matched Funding Requirement: 1:1 matched funding (cash and in-kind contributions) required from participants.
AFDIP important dates
- This program is closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
AFDIP objectives
The Activator Fund aims to:
- Enhance South Australia’s ability to participate in larger-scale defence innovation activities.
- Support the rapid transition of technology developments towards future operational capabilities.
- Create opportunities for follow-on investments and spinoffs into local and international markets.
- Align with the Australian Department of Defence’s Innovation, Science, and Technology priorities.
Activities eligible for AFDIP support
Eligible activities may include:
- employing and/or providing stipends to research staff to work on the Activator Fund project
- purchasing hardware and software
- costs to access research infrastructure
- travel costs directly related to the Activator Fund project
See the guidelines for full details of activities eligible for AFDIP support.
Other AFDIP important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for AFDIP support
Eligible organisations include:
- South Australian public universities.
- South Australia-based businesses (with an ABN), either headquartered or with substantial operations in South Australia.
- Partner organisations can include Australian Government agencies, South Australian Government agencies, Australian universities, publicly funded research organisations, and Australian industry (startups, SMEs, and large companies).
See the guidelines for full details of organisations eligible for AFDIP support.
AFDIP assessment criteria
- Project Description: Clarity of the problem and solution, alignment with fund objectives, scale, and innovation.
- Defence Desirability and Dual Use: Alignment with Defence priorities, applications in other sectors.
- Collaboration: Expertise and resources of the Project Team, Defence participation, matching contributions.
- Viability and Feasibility: Achievability within the timeframe and budget, risk mitigation.
- Budget: Value for money, appropriate cost allocation.
- Realisation Pathway: Commercial opportunity, scalability, and economic benefit to South Australia.
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the AFDIP?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the AFDIP application
Ensure you have all required information and documents, including:
- Detailed project proposal aligning with the challenge statements.
- Evidence of collaboration and matched funding commitments.
- Budget breakdown and justification.
- Description of expected outcomes and impacts.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the AFDIP
Applications must be submitted through the SmartyGrants online portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
AFDIP resources
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