SA Defence Innovation Partnership – Collaborator Fund 2026

Up to $800,000 available across two challenges in the 2026 round:
- Round 1.1 – Space-Based Advanced Threat Warning: $400,000 from the Collaborator Fund plus $400,000 from the Department of Defence, for one project of $800,000
- Round 1.2 – Technology-Enabled Information Resilience: up to $400,000 for one project
Applications close: 13 November 2026

The Collaborator Fund supports defence-relevant research and development through collaboration between government, universities and industry. It builds on the Defence Innovation Partnership's former Collaborative Research Fund and provides up to $800,000 each year.

The Defence Innovation Partnership is a joint initiative of the South Australian Government through Defence SA, the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Adelaide University and Flinders University. The 2026 round funds one project under each of two challenges developed with Defence.

Round 1.1 – Space-Based Advanced Threat Warning seeks a high-fidelity, space-based infrared emulation environment. The tool should help industry and academia develop and validate missile warning algorithms, sensors and systems, covering platforms from high-altitude balloons to space-based sensors and scenarios up to whole-of-Earth scale. The work can be done at the OFFICIAL/UNCLASSIFIED level.

Round 1.2 – Technology-Enabled Information Resilience seeks integrated human-technology solutions that help Defence personnel resist information manipulation and make good decisions in complex information environments. Solutions should be practical, evidence-based, scalable and measurable.

Consortia can take part in a co-design process with DIP and DSTG when developing their proposals.

Key Requirements

Collaboration requirements

At least one South Australian university, one South Australia-based industry partner, and Department of Defence involvement, ideally as a Partner Organisation
Work funded by the Collaborator Fund must be undertaken in South Australia
Successful teams must work closely with DSTG and Defence to align with Defence needs

Round 1.1 requirements

A technology solution that can be demonstrated within 24 months
Desirable skills include Python model and interface development, CAD modelling and rendering, sensor characterisation and modelling, and AI and machine learning algorithm development

Round 1.2 requirements

One Lead Organisation team member must hold a current NV1 security clearance
All other team members must hold, or be eligible to apply for, a Baseline security clearance. Team members can’t start work until their clearance is granted
Teams with expertise in human-machine teaming, training and learning, cognitive science, social science, AI and computer science are strongly encouraged
Pilot testing and initial evaluation of solutions is highly desirable. Literature reviews won’t be funded

Security
Projects may have national security implications. Team members may need to undergo a security assessment, and teams should manage risks around export controls, foreign interference and technology transfer.

Full challenge statements and assessment rating scales are set out in the Collaborator Fund Round 1.1 and 1.2 guidelines.

What is eligible for funding?

Funding can be used for:

Employing or providing stipends to research staff working on the project
Purchasing hardware and software
Accessing research infrastructure
Travel directly related to the project

Other activities may be approved. Expenditure must be a direct project cost, incurred between the project’s start and end dates.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Lead Organisations must be a South Australian public university, or a South Australian SME or startup.

Partner Organisations can include Australian Government agencies including Defence, South Australian Government agencies, Australian universities, publicly funded research organisations, Australian industry of any size, and other relevant organisations such as not-for-profits, independent research organisations and industry associations.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging a professional government grant writer consultant. Avant Group is Australia’s largest independent grants advisory firm. Find out more about our government grant writing and consulting service here.

How can I get help understanding if I’m eligible for this grant? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

This grant is open

Apply for this grant below:

OR