EPE among host of Innovation Hub contract recipients

The Defence Innovation Hub has announced five innovation contracts totalling $5.3 million.

Brisbane SME Zangold (trading as EPE) has been awarded $1 million to develop a portable improvised explosive detector to assist with the detection of homemade explosives, chemical warfare agents, narcotics and gases.

The project involves EPE working with Navy to develop a portable detector to assist with the detection of homemade explosives, chemical warfare agents, narcotics and gases from a distance for Maritime Operations.

EPE director Warwick Penrose said the company would work closely with Defence to develop the next generation force protection capability for members of the Royal Australian Navy engaged in risky boarding operations.

“This innovation has the potential to deliver a new paradigm in boarding operations enabling stand-off detection prior to boarding.”

An explosive detection technology linked to a mobile app was demonstrated by EPE recently. Credit: ADM Patrick Durrant

“The PRIED project recognises EPE’s long term commitment and investment in building and developing sovereign Force Protection capabilities that help take Australian servicemen out of the danger zone. Our team delivers a broad spectrum of innovative Force Protection capabilities that are in service today with the ADF, NZDF as well as local and federal police and first responders” Warwick said.

This tranche sees a prime awarded with a contract for the first time since the Hub was launched in 2016.

A full list of the contracts awarded today is provided below.

Industry and research organisations can continue to submit proposals through the Defence Innovation Portal at www.business.gov.au/cdic.

Organisation	Contract Value	Description of Innovation
BAE Systems (ACT)	$2.3 million	This project aims to explore the potential use of laser technology to detect low intensity signals.
Zangold (QLD)	$1 million	This project aims to develop a portable improvised explosive detector to assist with the detection of homemade explosives, chemical warfare agents, narcotics and gases.
Nova Defence (ACT)	$779,000	To explore the development of a low-cost, high-speed direct mobile ground target that could be used as a realistic direct target for air and ground based defence systems.
Kul Technologies (VIC)	$770,000	To explore the development of a more easily transportable and efficient modular hybrid power generation system.
Data61 (ACT)	$441,000	To continue the development of their multi-award winning Cross Domain Desktop Compositor technology, allowing users to view and work across multiple Defence networks from a single monitor, while maintaining the integrity of each network.