South Australian-based companies Swordfish Computing and Space Machines Company were amongst 14 Australian organisations to sign new contracts under the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator’s (ASCA) Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDT) program.

Announced on 5 January, ASCA is investing almost $40 million to strengthen Decision Advantage capability across Defence domains such as air, land, space, maritime and cyber.

The technologies funded via these contracts will help the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to make better decisions with speed and accuracy, faster than potential adversaries.

Swordfish Computing will receive over $3 million, and Lot Fourteen TechCentral tenants Space Machines Company is set to receive over $2.9 million.

Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro AC, explained Defence needs to continually invest in new capabilities to keep Australians safe.

“These investments build long-term partnerships with industry, research institutions and our world-leading universities so we can develop the technology we need faster,” said Prof. Monro.

“While the environment in our region and around the world continues to change, we’re backing Australian researchers, innovators and engineers to deliver home-grown solutions to emerging challenges.”

Head of ASCA, Major General Hugh Meggitt, said this investment was crucial for future capabilities.

“The investment of $40 million in the EDT Decision Advantage Program is an important activity to develop future capability and inform potential future ASCA Missions to provide an asymmetric advantage to the ADF,” Major General Meggitt said.

Read the media release

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Image: Digital representation of the F-35A Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter via Department of Defence.