Australia awards AUD$5.9m of Defence Innovation Hub contracts

The Australian defense minister on October 20 announced AUD$5.9 million worth of contracts awarded to companies through the Defence Innovation Hub.

The Australian government’s Defence Innovation Hub was launched in December 2016 with the aim of helping Australian companies mature and further develop defense technologies.

Included in today’s announcement is a $2.9 million innovation contract to Western Australia-based L3 Oceania, who will explore the development of an underwater acoustic sensor providing benefits within the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) maritime domain.

Also announced today is an innovation contract worth $2.2 million to University of Newcastle in New South Wales who will explore the development of enhanced resilience training for ADF personnel through virtual reality based training sessions involving controlled exposure to adverse environments.

“These investments will drive growth in defence industry and innovation whilst focusing on the capability needs required to ensure Australia’s national security now and into the future,” Minister Pyne said.