Growing the defence industrial base is a key priority for the Australian Government and Australian manufacturers are in a prime position to take advantage of the increased domestic and global investments in Defence capabilities. The numerous acquisition and sustainment opportunities that will come from these investments will support manufacturers to:

• make up a greater share of the defence supply chain by manufacturing the components and capabilities required for Defence acquisition and sustainment projects
• diversify their customer base and enter new markets beyond the Australian Defence Force
• contribute to some of the world’s most advanced supply chains and export to allies or likeminded countries.

Key areas of opportunity

1. Defence: Leveraging investments and commitments to integrate emerging technologies and scale manufacturing of products and components supporting ADF priorities, such as:
   • drones/unmanned aircraft
   • special military equipment including night vision goggles and combat protection
2. International: Expanding capabilities to service new and existing export markets with strategic partners (subject to regulations) in products and components such as:
   • armoured vehicles
   • advanced radar systems
   • patrol boats.
3. Cross-sector applications: Diversifying to cross-sector applications such as:
   • space domain awareness equipment, including sensor networks
   • medical countermeasure including diagnostic tools and personal protective equipment.

Enablers of growth include: IP ownership, Industry 4.0 technologies, cyber security and promotion of existing Government support programs.

Manufacturing Integration Stream

The Manufacturing Integration Stream will support projects that integrate Australian businesses into domestic and international value chains, propelling their goods and services into new markets and fostering Australia’s reputation as a modern manufacturing leader. It will encourage and facilitate linkages between local businesses and domestic and international firms, increasing scale, supply capacity, and the ability to innovate. It will also facilitate the adoption of product standards and greater sharing and transfer of knowledge.

Further information

Manufacturing Translation Stream

The Manufacturing Translation Stream will support projects that aid the translation of high quality research and ideas into commercial outcomes and support businesses to scale-up and become more competitive and resilient. It will support businesses to adopt new technologies and improve their manufacturing processes to boost productivity and competitiveness.

Further information

Funding

• Minimum $1M, maximum $20M (expected average ~$4M)
• Requires matching cash contribution (25% of cash can include funding from State, Territory or local government grants)
• All projects must be completed by 31 March 2024

Submission requirements & due date

• Universities are not eligible to apply as lead, but can contribute to programs led by other Australian businesses.
• Please email seapgrants@adelaide.edu.au ASAP if you are considering applying for this scheme.
• Applications must be submitted direct to sponsor by 28 April 2021
• See also: Submitting an application to Research Services for review

Need Help?

• General enquiries: seapgrants@adelaide.edu.au