The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) has commenced operations to deliver advanced technologies needed for Australia’s national security.
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.
"Australia’s strategic environment, made more uncertain by rapid technological development, demands a transformation of the defence innovation system to provide vital capabilities for the Australian Defence Force," Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said in a statement announcing commencement of operations on 1 July.
"ASCA will take a new and ambitious approach to transitioning game changing ideas into capabilities that give the soldiers, sailors, and aviators of the ADF an asymmetric advantage."
The program will undergo a phased start up over the first 18 months. The focus this month is on engagement though the Australian defence science and university networks, shortly followed by state based industry forums hosted by Interim Head, Professor Emily Hilder.
These sessions will aim to establish a 'culture of collaboration' that will inform future partnerships and provide an opportunity to hear more about how to be a part of accelerating Defence capability.
“The Accelerator is up and running less than three months since the Government received the Defence Strategic Review," Conroy said.
“It will unlock and ignite innovation from across the nation, bringing together the best experts from different sectors – driving change from within Defence to move at the pace and scale we need.
“This will mean faster acquisition and better links between Defence and industry to deliver the capabilities the soldiers, sailors and aviators of the Australian Defence Force need.”
The government is investing $748 million in ASCA over the next four years, and $3.4 billion over the next decade. This is reportedly an additional $591 million above planned spending on defence innovation over the decade.