Delivering Defence capability through Australian industry growth and innovation

The Defence Innovation Hub, one of the Australian Government’s flagship Defence innovation programs, invests in innovative technologies that can enhance Defence capability and grow the Australian defence industry and innovation sector.

The changing strategic environment and the rapid pace of technological advancement are challenging Defence’s capability advantage. Defence’s commitment to supporting innovation, in partnership with Australian industry and academia, is at the heart of Defence's response to these challenges. The Government has invested around $3 billion over the next decade in Defence innovation as part of the 2020 Force Structure Plan. Of this funding, $800 million is being invested in the Defence Innovation Hub through to 2030.

The Defence Innovation Portal is open 365 days a year for Australian and New Zealand businesses and research organisations (with an ABN or NZBN) to submit their proposal for an innovative idea that could have a Defence application. The Hub invests in a broad range of technologies at different phases of maturity from the early concept stage through to demonstration, prototyping and integration. More information on the Defence Innovation Hub and how to apply, visit the Resources page.

Recent Announcements

Bright ideas of Aussie Businesses to protect our national security

The Australian Government has unveiled three defence capability focus areas critical to Australia’s national security that will guide the Government’s investment in the innovative ideas of Australian businesses.

From 1 July 2022, the Defence Innovation Hub will seek submissions for innovations that will strengthen specific defence capabilities in the areas of:

• guided weapons and explosive ordnance,
• integrated air and missile defence, and
• undersea warfare.

The key focus areas will be a high priority for investment and have been singled out to give industry more detailed information about specific capabilities.

The focus areas will contribute to the stimulation of innovative ideas in those areas, which are of significant strategic importance to Defence.

Along with the focus areas, industry and research organisations will also be able to submit proposals across the domains outlined in the 2020 Force Structure Plan – Information and Cyber, Maritime, Air, Space, Land and enterprise wide enabling capabilities.

Submissions made before 1 July 2022 will be evaluated based on the Hub’s existing innovation priorities, all submissions made after 1 July 2022 will be considered based on the new focus areas and operational domains.

Further updates about the key focus areas will be provided in the lead up to 1 July 2022.

For more information read about the specific capabilities Defence is seeking, or read the frequently asked questions resource.

New Hub Videos Released

Two videos have been released that provide useful information about the Defence Innovation Hub and the submission process. The "About the Hub" video provides a general overview of the Defence Innovation Hub – one of Australia’s flagship Defence innovation programs. The "What you need to know about the submission process" provides information to help innovators understand the Hub’s submission and assessment process.

Defence Innovation Hub Exemplars Published

The Defence Innovation Hub is pleased to advise the publication of additional guidance for innovators developing Hub submissions. These documents are intended to support innovators throughout the submission process.

The guidance includes a hints and tips guide for good submissions and exemplars for both the Call for Submission (CFS) stage and the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage, click here.

Defence Innovation Hub update – June 2020

The Hub remains fully operational and will continue to invest in innovative Australian businesses during the COVID 19 crisis.

We are continuing to assess proposals that have already been submitted and to award contracts for proposals that meet Defence’s priorities – and we remain open for the submission of new innovation proposals.

If you require assistance in answering the questions that are on the Hub’s proposal form, you should contact the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS) on 1800 333 362 or visit www.business.gov.au/odis. 

If you have a specific inquiry relating to a proposal or contract that is currently with the Hub, please send your query using Online enquiry form.

If you are having technical difficulties when it comes to completing the proposal form, please use the Hub’s Online enquiry form.