Cyber at the centre of Defence capability contracts for Aussie small businesses

The Morrison Government’s strong focus on cyber security has been reinforced in the awarding of up to $3.6 million in contracts to 12 small-to-medium businesses as part of a new industry engagement initiative. 

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price launched the initiative, called the Industry Competitive Evaluation Research Agreement (ICERA), in August last year. 

“ICERA recognises the growing importance and capability of Australian small-to-medium businesses and nowhere is this clearer than in the cyber security domain,” Minister Price said. 

The ICERA contracts will provide $36 million over six years, funded through Defence’s Next Generation Technologies Fund (NGTF), with the $3.6 million announced today to be the first round of contracts awarded. 

Six of the 22 successful ICERA contracts focused on creating innovative cyber security capabilities. 

The other research projects cover Enhanced Human Performance, Integrated ISR, Quantum Technologies and Advanced Sensors.

“I am particularly pleased to announce that two of these initial ICERA partnerships are with businesses new to Defence,” Minister Price said.

“The ICERA program aims to support small-to-medium businesses that are critical to enhancing our tactical and strategic edge as Australia’s strategic context continues to evolve.”

The following 12 ICERA partners will receive up to $300,000 each.  

CYBER SECURITY 

• Breakaway Consulting Pty Ltd, NSW
• InfoSect, ACT
• Insight Via Artificial Intelligence, SA
• Jaywick Group Pty Ltd, NSW
• Mentum Systems, ACT
• Spinlock Security, NSW

ADVANCED SENSORS 

• Critus, NSW

ENHANCED HUMAN PERFORMANCE 

• Quantitative, NSW
• Biosensis, SA

INTEGRATED INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE & RECONNAISSANCE 

• Fivecast Pty Ltd, SA
• Safran Electronics & Defence Australasia Pty Ltd (SEDA), NSW

QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES 

• Cryoclock, SA

The remaining ICERA outcomes will be announced as arrangements are finalised. 

For more information regarding the NGTF visit https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/NextGenTechFund.