Innovation and technology in Defence has been high on the agenda across three services over the last few years with the creation of the Defence Innovation Hub, regular Innovation Days and a range of grants that provide collaboration opportunities between industry, academia and government. This week we look at an Army related call for submissions that will demonstrate technology solutions at the first Army Quantum Technology Exploration Day (AQTED21) 2021. The event is planned to be held on 20 April 2021 at the Brisbane Exhibition Centre and Army is seeking to leverage Australia’s national strategic strength in quantum technology research, its emerging quantum industry.
These Exploration Days are designed to enable Army to issue specific challenges that test a hypotheses of quantum technology applications in land operations as well as provide a forum for networking and exchange of ideas among the quantum technology community. The AQTED21 program will include: demonstrations and presentations from contracted Applicants, pitches from invited Applicants, and opportunities for both groups of Applicants to discuss and receive feedback from Defence personnel. The event will be promoted through Defence media channels and provides an excellent opportunity to build networks within Defence.
Each Army Quantum Technology Exploration Day will be accompanied with a Challenge Statement outlining the themes and outcomes being sought. Proposals must directly address one of three sub-themes outlined in the Challenge Statement as follows:
– Sub-theme 1: detection and imaging of subterranean structures and materiel
– Sub-theme 2: optimisation of last-mile resupply by a squad of autonomous ground vehicles
– Sub-theme 3: disruption of satellite-mediated quantum communications
Defence is particularly seeking proposals based upon technologies that, with appropriate funding, can be progressed to Technology Readiness Level 5-6 within 12 to 15 months following the AQTED21 and as the intention is to build a sovereign capability, submissions are only open to Australian Permanent Residents or Citizens only with an ABN. Successful applicants may be awarded contracts of up to $50,000. The closing date for the RFP is 14th Dec 2020.
If you are after further advice on this topic or any opportunity listed below, feel free to contact us. You can also subscribe to this newsletter for regular weekly updates.
