News Review: PIC Innovation Program calls for applications | ADM Dec 2011 / Jan 2012

Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare announced in November that applications had opened for $9.2 million in grants to defence companies to develop innovative ideas that help build and sustain Australia’s Priority Industry Capabilities (PIC).

This is the first round of grants on offer under the $45 million Priority Industry Capability Innovation Program announced by Clare the previous month. This funding delivers on a commitment made in the 2010 Defence Industry Policy statement.

“There are no more important capabilities that Defence industry has than our priority industry capabilities,” Mr Clare said. “These are must haves – the things we cannot do without.

“This includes things like infantry weapons, ship dry-docking and electronic warfare. The ideas this program will fund will help strengthen these capabilities in Australia.”

Companies can apply for up to $4 million in matched funding for innovative projects that will improve or enhance a PIC. The program will be overseen by the Defence Innovation and Industry Board.

Applications are due to close on 6 January. Recipients of the first $9.2 million will be announced in the first quarter of 2012.