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Delivered by the Defence Science and Technology Group in partnership with CSIRO, D.Start is an eight-week, hands-on learning opportunity for small research teams modelled on the highly successful ON Prime:Defence program.
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D.Start is an innovation and entrepreneurship program that empowers Australian researchers and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to connect with Defence, identify a real-world application for their science or technology and attract the resources they need to translate it to capability – at pace.
“As the world becomes more complex and our battlespace evolves, there has never been a more critical time for Australia’s research and business community to rise to the challenge”, said Greg Denehy, Director Innovation Program, Defence Science & Technology Group.
“We know the big ideas are out there, either in our universities or established businesses but Defence can be tricky to navigate, particularly for new entrants in the market.
“D.Start is designed to bridge that gap and help research teams and SMEs better understand where their work could provide value to Defence and defence industry in order to increase their opportunity for successful translation of ideas to impact.”
Purpose-built for big ideas with dual Defence and civilian application, the initiative will leverage DST’s experience – connections, introductions, and valuable insight to help open doors to Defence.
Delivered remotely for teams of two to six members it is modelled on the highly successful national science and technology pre-accelerator program ‘ON Prime’.
The program is open to all Australian businesses, research organisations (PFRAs) and their teams working on science or technology for Defence application.
“Essentially what we’re looking for is research teams and SMEs at any stage of their project and in any discipline,” Denehy said.
“If their science or tech has dual defence and civilian application and they are yet to explore Defence as a potential customer – they are an ideal applicant. “
Delivered by the Department of Defence in partnership with CSIRO, D.Start combines expert knowledge with powerful connections to help increase opportunity for successful translation.
Areas of interest identified include:
- Integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance;
- Space capabilities;
- Enhanced human performance;
- Medical countermeasure products;
- Multidisciplinary material sciences;
- Quantum technologies;
- Trusted autonomous systems;
- Cyber;
- Advanced sensors;
- Hypersonics; and
- Directed energy capabilities.
Defence also said that it hopes to field applications directed towards its mission-directed STaR Shots (Science, Technology and Research Shots):
- Resilient multi-mission space;
- Information warfare;
- Agile command and control;
- Quantum assured position navigation and timing;
- Disruptive weapon effects;
- Operating in CBRN environments;
- Battle ready platforms; and
- Remote undersea surveillance.
Applications are submitted online and are reviewed by an external panel of evaluators made up of science, technology, business, and Defence experts. The inaugural program will run with eight to twelve of the strongest teams from applications received.
Applications are open now and close at midday, Thursday, 27th August.
