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Defence Industry Competitive Evaluation Research Agreement (ICERA)

Co-founders of Canberra-based cyber security company InfoSect which grew its workforce from one and a part-timer to eight thanks to funding from the Next Generation Technologies Fund.

The Defence Industry Competitive Evaluation Research Agreement (ICERA) initiative promotes the entry and participation of Australian small and medium enterprises in the Defence innovation ecosystem.

Fully financed through the Next Generation Technologies Fund, ICERA provides funding for small to medium businesses to undertake innovative and visionary projects that will contribute to Australian Defence capability.

Graphic of InfoSect quote

Eligibility

Any Australian or New Zealand small to medium business registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) with an Australian or New Zealand Business number (ABN or NZBN) can submit a proposal for ICERA.

Proposals will only be accepted for advertised calls. Unsolicited proposals will not be accepted.

Proposals involving collaboration with a research institution are highly desirable.

Priority areas

ICERA seeks to develop capabilities in one or more of the following priority areas.

  • Cyber
  • Enhanced Human Performance
  • Integrated Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
  • Medical Countermeasure Products
  • Trusted Autonomous Systems
  • Advanced Sensors
  • Directed Energy Capabilities
  • Multidisciplinary Material Sciences
  • Quantum Technologies
  • Space Capabilities

Individual calls may focus on selected priorities.

The ICERA program targets proposals at low Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 1-4). Promising proposals may be progressed to higher technology readiness levels through other Defence innovation programs.

Current opportunities

There are currently no open opportunities.

Further information

For further information contact

NGTF acknowledgement 

Key information