WA defence innovation grant helping to diversify the economy

• Applications are now open for the 2025 Defence and Research Teaming grant
• Up to $200,000 is available to support early-stage defence innovation and research
• Cook Government growing WA's defence sector, creating jobs, and diversifying the economy

The Cook Government's Defence and Research Teaming (DaRT) grant is now open, offering up to $200,000 for bold research ideas that tackle real-world challenges in the defence sector.

Administered by Defence West's Defence Science Centre, the DaRT grant supports collaboration between research institutes and industry to explore concepts that address emerging defence sector needs early in the defence capability lifecycle.

The 2025 DaRT grant round is open to participants of Exercise Western Dawn 2025 - an adjacent defence-innovation program run by the Australian Army and Curtin University, that connects multidisciplinary teams from Defence, government, academia, and industry to explore solutions to modern defence problems.

Successful applicants of the highly competitive DaRT grant will be able to expand and refine their pitches made at Exercise Western Dawn to stimulate capabilities and to bring ideas to fruition.

DaRT applications will be assessed by an independent panel on novelty, feasibility, value for money, effect, and collaboration.

For more information and to submit an application, visit: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/defence-west/defence-science-centre-defence-and-research-teaming-dart

Comments attributed to Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia:

"We are working to grow WA's defence sector to become the second largest industry with the goal of creating more jobs and diversifying our economy beyond the cyclical nature of the resources industry.

"The DaRT intiative helps de-risk new defence technologies, mature innovative concepts, and support sovereign capability development - all of which contribute to WA's long-term economic resilience.

"By backing early ideas, we are giving the defence sector the opportunity to reach its full potential."