With an investment of around $730 million over the decade in the next generation technologies, there will be potential to deliver game-changing capabilities for the ‘future force after next’. This forward looking program will focus on research and development in emerging and future technologies and develop early ideas into innovation concepts that could be further explored and matured through the Innovation Hub. The program will include technologies that are expected to deliver on a time horizon that may be greater than ten years.
The Next Generation Technologies Fund is an entirely new program which the Defence Science and Technology Group will be progressively delivering over the next few years. Initial funding for innovation proposals in next generation technologies will be limited but will grow over time.
What is the Next Generation Technologies Fund (NGTF)?
The NGTF (to be launched in early 2017) is a forward looking program which will focus on research and development in emerging and future technologies and develop early ideas into innovation concepts that could further be explored and matured through the Defence Innovation Hub. This will include technologies that are expected to deliver on a time horizon that may be greater than ten years.
What is the NGTFs funding?
Around $730 million will be invested (over the decade to FY 2025-26) in strategic next generation technologies that have the potential to deliver game-changing capabilities to Defence. The annual funding will increase over the decade.
Is the NGTF separate to or part of the Innovation Hub?
The NGTF and the Defence Innovation Hub are separate initiatives within the new integrated Defence innovation system. The NGTF is focused on science and research proposals that are early in the innovation spectrum, while the Defence Innovation Hub is focused on ideas that are able to deliver Defence capability and Australia defence industry growth in the near term. Put simply, the NGTF focuses on research and the Defence Innovation Hub focuses on development.
What are the NGTF priorities for investment?
- Integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
- Space capabilities
- Enhance human performance
- Medical and countermeasure products
- Multidisciplinary material sciences
- Quantum technologies
- Trusted autonomous systems
- Cyber
- Advanced sensors
- Hypersonics
- Directed energy capabilities.
Who leads the NGTF?
The Defence Science and Technology Group (DST Group) will lead and manage the NGTF. The DST Group identifies, conducts and integrates research in the next generation technologies relevant to Australia’s national security. The DST Group works collaboratively with academia, research agencies, Australian industry, other areas of Defence and Government, to create a vibrant and interlocking innovation capability using collaboration networks.
How do I apply to the NGTF?
When you submit an Innovation Proposal Submission Form online, Defence will assess whether your proposal is better suited to the Defence Innovation Hub or the NGTF. As the NGTF program develops, Defence will call for submissions. These will be categorised as Special Notice and will be advertised on the Defence Innovation Portal as they arise.
Can I apply directly to the NGTF?
No. All proposals must be submitted through the Innovation Portal which is hosted by the CDIC. After an assessment of your proposal, the Defence Innovation Hub will direct your proposal to the NGTF if found appropriate.
Who approves funding if my proposal falls under the NGTF?
Your proposal will be assessed by subject matter experts within DST Group (or externally if required) for its potential to deliver game-changing military capability. DST Group will manage proposals that are funded through the NGTF.
Who will assess my application?
Subject matter experts within DST Group (or externally if required) will assess your proposal.
How much funding is there for NGTF proposals?
The NGTF is an entirely new Defence innovation program which will grow over time. In the early years funding is limited but opportunities will increase over time.
Are all NGTF activities accessed through the Defence Innovation Portal?
The NGTF will support a range of initiatives as the program is progressively developed and rolled out by DTSG, including the establishment of Cooperative Research Centres (CRC), Grand Challenges and new partnerships. Some of these initiatives may be accessed outside of the Defence Innovation Portal. More information will be available as these initiatives are developed and announced. You may register for updates.
Can I get funding from both the NGTF and the Defence Innovation Hub?
Proposals originally funded through the NGTF due to the early research and development nature of the proposal may seek future funding through the Innovation as the proposal matures. However, a single proposal will not receive funding from both the NGTF and the Defence Innovation Hub at the same time.
Want to know more about the Next Generation Technologies Fund? Read the FAQs.
Want to get the best possible result out of your Application?
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