Australia’s Defence Innovation Hub makes initial investments

Australian Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne has announced the initial investments to be made through the country's Defence Innovation Hub.

The hub’s initial three investments are worth A$887,000 ($673,535), which are a part of A$1.6bn ($1.21bn) that will be allocated for the development of innovative defence technologies.

Pyne said: “The Defence Innovation Hub is crucial in delivering the Government’s A$1.6bn ($1.21bn) commitment to develop local defence capability.”

Armor Composite Engineering will receive A$618,000 ($469,272) to develop a low-profile body armour system, which could be used by personnel in close protection roles.

Pyne added: “This innovation will seek to mature technology which will improve protection for Australian Defence Force members and ensure we keep up with new and emerging threats.

Another A$172,000 ($130,606) will be provided to SYPAQ Systems for a small, lightweight next-generation power generator for land environments that can be used by individual soldiers and vehicle-based forces.

In addition, Berkeley Information Technology will receive A$97,000 ($73,656) to provide a software solution for the protection of documents used on defence information and communication systems.

The Defence Innovation Hub was launched in December 2016 to support technology development.

The hub's launch coincided with the opening of Australia's Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC), which will advise small-to-medium enterprises about proposals they wish to submit to the Defence Innovation Hub.

The CDIC will provide expert advice in business improvement, skills development, export and supply chains, supplier continuous improvement, and defence market preparedness.