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Funder · Federal agency

Department of Defence Australia

Funds Australian defense capability, security technology, and innovation programs for industry and research partners.

Australiawww.defence.gov.au
Key stats
Annual funding—
Programs5
Active grants2
Total grants5
About

The Australian Department of Defence funds defence innovation through the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), which replaced the Defence Innovation Hub in 2024. ASCA accelerates the development and transition of asymmetric capabilities to the Australian Defence Force through innovation, operating via closed call-outs — RFIs and Approaches to Market — published on asca.gov.au and AusTender.

ASCA's three streams — Missions, Innovation Incubation, and Emerging and Disruptive Technologies — connect Australian industry and universities with Defence priority needs. Missions are time-limited (typically 3 years) and endorsed by the Vice Chief of the Defence Force. Innovation Incubation runs pitch days and challenge programs to rapidly adapt commercial technology for military purposes.

Programs & grants under this funder
Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA)

Supports Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator with mission-based projects across next-generation defense technology domains.

ASCA EDT Decision Advantage

Funds Australian companies and universities developing AI and data-fusion technologies for Defence decision-making capability.

3 grants
ASCA EDT Decision Advantage
Closed
— pool
ASCA EDT Explore: Information Warfare and Quantum Technologies
Closed
— pool
ASCA EDT P2ISR — Persistent and Pervasive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
Closed
— pool
ASCA Innovation Incubation

Backs rapid adaptation of commercial technology for defence use through challenge and pitch programs.

1 grant
ASCA Innovation Incubation — Pitch Days & Challenges
Open
— pool
ASCA Missions

Supports rapid adoption of disruptive technologies for defence capability needs.

1 grant
ASCA Missions — Active Call-Outs
Open
— pool·Rolling submission
Defence Innovation Hub

Supports Defence Innovation Hub with industry-driven projects that bring civilian and military technology ideas into defence outcomes.

Last verified: 28 May 2026Source: www.defence.gov.au