Canberra SME secures $3.4m Defence Innovation contract

Canberra-based Kord Defence has been awarded a $3.4 million contract, funded through the Defence Innovation Hub, to help soldiers in the battlefield control electrical devices on their weapons and body.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the innovation has the potential to make existing systems more soldier-friendly and improve situational awareness for soldiers deployed in the modern battlefield.

“The Morrison government is continuing to invest in Australian small businesses, helping them to create new jobs and develop innovative ideas for Defence. It is great to see Kord working to help soldiers more effectively control a wide range of connected electronic devices using Bluetooth technology through the company’s innovative wireless control system,” said Minister Price.

This is Kord Defence’s second contract with the Hub, building on the technology initially developed through a $635,000 Innovation Hub contract in 2017. Kord Defence has also tested its technology with the United States Marine Corps.

“Kord is a great example of how the Morrison government’s investment in innovation is growing Australian small businesses, as well as helping them showcase their technology in highly competitive global markets, such as in the US,” said Minister Price.

Since December 2016, the Defence Innovation Hub has invested more than $270 million in innovation contracts, with 84% of the funds going to Australian small and medium-sized businesses. The investment has seen more than 600 people employed across 150 businesses and 22 universities and research organisations, in all states and territories across Australia.

Image credit: Jay Cronan.