Australian government launches Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships program
As part of its Digital Economy Strategy announced on 6 May 2021, the Australian government has committed $32.6 million over two years to establish the Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships Program. This will support strategic partnerships with industry, using emerging aviation technology to address community needs, particularly in regional Australia. Round One of the Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships Program is open for applications. Closing date for applications is 31 March 2022.
Please see the program guidelines for information on eligibility and merit criteria. Late applications will not be accepted. Further information can be found on GrantConnect.
The objective of the program is to encourage and enable the development and deployment, of emerging aviation technologies to enhance the competitiveness, efficiency and reliability of Australian aviation, including by expanding employment in the aviation sector; improving supply chain and market efficiency and improving connections with regional and remote, including Indigenous, communities. The program will also contribute to the digital transformation of Australian businesses, increased business efficiency, and reduced carbon emissions through new technology.
Under the program, the Department will partner with industry to test emerging aviation technology through pilot projects across five focus areas:
- Digital farming
- Connecting regional communities
- Boosting regional supply chains
- Improving health outcomes for remote indigenous communities
- Manufacturing in emerging aviation technology
The scope of the program is broader than administration of grants funding. The Department will work with industry partners to deliver pilot projects, including through:
- Coordination and consultation with Commonwealth, state and local government agencies
- Advice and assistance with navigation of regulatory processes
- Development/testing of new policies/regulations where required to support the project
- Provision of funding to support project implementation (operational and capital expenditure).
The Grant Opportunity, with Program Guidelines and a call for applications, was released on 20 December 2021.
Applications will be assessed on a competitive basis against a number of selection criteria and the comparative merits of other applications.
All information required is contained within the Program Guidelines (PDF: 313 KB). While the Department will be limited in what can be discussed now the grant opportunity has been released, questions or queries can be made to EATP@infrastructure.gov.au.
The Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ’s can be found here (PDF: 1360 KB).