Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) is a newly formed agency that connects and streamlines Defence innovation, science and technology systems, driving capability development and acquisition pathways. ASCA replaces the Defence Innovation Hub and Next Generation Technologies Fund, which the Defence Strategic Review identified are no longer fit for purpose in Australia’s current strategic environment. ASCA has $4.2b to deploy over the next ten years.
Emerging Disruptive Technologies (EDT) Program.
The EDT Program will invest in deep and long-term partnerships between Defence Science and Technology Group, universities and/or industry to shape and nurture critical research and development capability shaped by Defence’s future requirements. The Program will fund research in areas aligned with Defence Strategic Review priorities and the potential to provide the Australian Defence Force with an asymmetric advantage. Projects under the EDT Program will typically be $3M budget and 3 to 5 years in duration.
The first EDT request has been released; all the details and documents are available on Austender.
Applications are made by submitting a 4 page whitepaper including project timeline and high level budget. Whitepapers are due 9 Feb 2024 with shortlisted applications invited to participate in co-design workshops in February/March 2024 together with Defence technology specialists and Military end users.
Opportunity Statements for Quantum Technologies
QT1. How might we develop low size, weight and power wide band electromagnetic receivers so that Defence can increase signal detection sensitivity, reduce latency and avoid the requirements for multiple antennae systems, taking into account export controls, capacity to manufacture at scale and the ability to distribute and operate in all domains and across different platforms?
QT2. How might we develop persistent, highly sensitive, quantum assured sensors and sensing networks so that Defence can survey and perform surveillance and reconnaissance operations in complex terrain (i.e. underwater, subterranean, urban, littoral, jungle), taking into account domain specific requirements for size, weight, power, cost and manufacturing different deployment and endurance requirements.
QT3. How might we provide assured position, navigation and timing* in the absence of GPS for extended periods so that Defence can achieve an enhanced operating picture across all domains on crewed and un-crewed platforms, taking into account domain specific requirements for size, weight, power, cost and manufacturability, and interoperability between platforms.
QT4. How might we develop quantum sensors so that Defence can transfer information and track obscured targets in free space, at speed, over large distances under adverse environmental and lighting conditions taking into account domain specific requirements for size, weight, power, cost and manufacturability?
QT5. How might we accelerate the utility and scalability of quantum computing capability through R&D into data transfer between components, storage, qubit control and error correction so that Defence is positioned to realise the potential of quantum computing, taking into account limited access to specialist skills and quantum hardware along with uncertain development timelines?
QT6. How might we develop advanced software algorithms to solve complex real-time logistics, optimisation and coordination challenges so that Defence can respond to changing scenarios with enhanced speed and accuracy, taking into account the need to benchmark quantum computing hardware and software with classical approaches along with limited access to quantum computing hardware?
QT7. How might we develop machine learning algorithms operating on quantum computers to perform low-latency, more robust and secure image analysis and signal processing so that Defence’s future autonomous Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems have enhanced resilience against spoofing and signal degradation, taking into account limited access to quantum hardware and sensitivities of ISR data for training machine learning?
QT8. How might we leverage civilian test facilities, capabilities and application development environments to trial emerging quantum sensing and computational technologies in realistic Defence use cases and environments so that Defence can assess feasibility, viability and interoperability, taking into account environmental, operational safety, security, export controls (ITAR) constraints?