AUKUS Pillar II Innovation Challenge: Empowering Undersea Command, Control, and Communications

On December 1, 2023, Defence Ministers announced the launch of the AUKUS Pillar II Innovation Challenge, focusing on undersea Command, Control, and Communications. This trilateral competition aims to foster ground breaking innovations in autonomous systems, enhancing operational capabilities from seabed to space.

Key Information Table

Funding Body	Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), Defence Innovation Unit (DIU)
Total Grant Funding Pot	Up to $8 million (US)
Amount Each Project Can Be Awarded	Funding for 3-10 proposals
Grant Themes	Undersea Command, Control, and Communications
Eligibility Criteria	Open to submissions from any nation in Stage 1
Open Date	April 3, 2025
Close Date	April 28, 2025

Eligibility Criteria

• Submit proposals addressing one or more Desired Capability Effects.
• Ensure solutions are interoperable by design, aligning with NATO standards.
• Provide a brief overview of the innovation, including technical merits and costs.
• Be prepared to develop technology to a prototype level and deliver a demonstration.

Project Focus

The AUKUS Pillar II Innovation Challenge is focused on enhancing undersea Command, Control, and Communications. The competition seeks innovations that enable near real-time communications between Undersea Vehicles (UVs) and Command and Control (C2) Systems. It also aims to optimise bandwidth utilisation and effective range in contested environments, provide secure and efficient navigation for Uncrewed Undersea Vehicles (UUVs), and facilitate large data transmission with minimal interception risk.

Value of the Technology

• Enhance synchronisation and teaming of multiple undersea systems.
• Improve operational efficiency and safety in complex maritime environments.
• Support protection of strategic undersea infrastructure.
• Advance capabilities of autonomous platforms for defence tasks.

Application Process

The application process for the AUKUS Pillar II Innovation Challenge involves two stages. In Stage 1, applicants must submit a brief overview of their innovation, including its technical merits and rough order of magnitude costs, by April 28, 2025. Successful Stage 1 applicants will be invited to submit detailed proposals in Stage 2, with a deadline of July 7, 2025.

Funding Information

• Total funding available: Up to $8 million (US).
• Funding for 3-10 proposals.
• Minimum TRL 6 required.
• Project duration: 12 months, starting November 2025.

Additional Information

The AUKUS Pillar II Innovation Challenge is part of a broader effort to leverage autonomous systems for operational advantages from seabed to space. The program seeks to address critical undersea infrastructure protection and enhance the capabilities of autonomous platforms.

Programme Background:

• Autonomous systems provide operational advantages from seabed to space.
• Focus on critical undersea infrastructure protection.
• Enhance capabilities of autonomous platforms.

Project Requirements:

• Address one or more Desired Capability Effects.
• Align with NATO standards for interoperability.

How FI Group Can Help

FI Group offers expert guidance and support throughout the grant application process. Our team ensures compliance with all requirements and maximizes your chances of securing funding. We assist with proposal preparation, technical documentation, and strategic planning to help you succeed in the AUKUS Pillar II Innovation Challenge.