Cyber the focus of Defence ICERA contracts for SMEs
The Department of Defence has awarded the first $3.6 million batch of ICERA contracts to 12 Australian SMEs, with a strong focus on cyber security.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price launched the Industry Competitive Evaluation Research Agreement (ICERA) initiative in August last year. The ICERA contracts will provide $36 million over six years, funded through Defence’s Next Generation Technologies Fund (NGTF). Six of the 12 successful ICERA contract applications focused on creating innovative cyber security capabilities.
The other research projects cover Enhanced Human Performance, Integrated ISR, Quantum Technologies and Advanced Sensors.
“I am particularly pleased to announce that two of these initial ICERA partnerships are with businesses new to Defence,” Minister Price said. “The ICERA program aims to support small-to-medium businesses that are critical to enhancing our tactical and strategic edge as Australia’s strategic context continues to evolve.”
Twelve ICERA partners will receive up to $300,000 each:
CYBER SECURITY
- Breakaway Consulting Pty Ltd, NSW
- InfoSect, ACT
- Insight Via Artificial Intelligence, SA
- Jaywick Group Pty Ltd, NSW
- Mentum Systems, ACT
- Spinlock Security, NSW
ADVANCED SENSORS
- Critus, NSW
ENHANCED HUMAN PERFORMANCE
- Quantitative, NSW
- Biosensis, SA
INTEGRATED INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE & RECONNAISSANCE
- Fivecast Pty Ltd, SA
- Safran Electronics & Defence Australasia Pty Ltd (SEDA), NSW
QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES
- Cryoclock, SA
The remaining ICERA outcomes will be announced as arrangements are finalised.
For more information regarding the NGTF visit https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/NextGenTechFund.