The Australian Cyber Security Growth Network has invited applications for matched funding from industry-led cyber security projects that contribute to the continued growth of Australia’s cyber security sector, and its impact both domestically and overseas.

“The Projects Fund was established as a three-year initiative as part of our mission to grow a dynamic and globally competitive sector. It supports projects that seek to achieve high impact commercialisation in areas of comparative advantage as well as make a real contribution to the sustained growth of Australia’s cyber security ecosystem,” said Michelle Price, AustCyber’s CEO.

“AustCyber has already provided $6.5 million in matched funding for ten cyber security projects across Australia,” said Ms Price. “We are excited to invite applications for the Projects Fund once again and look forward to receiving Expressions of Interest from individuals as well as partnering innovative Australian organisations.”

The funding already in play is resulting in great progress for the Australian cyber sector. For example, in 2018, cyber education provider Fifth Domain and its consortia partners were allocated almost $500,000 to a total project value of around $1 million to create a cyber security learning management system that enables education organisations, students and employers to collaborate in developing the cyber security workforce of the future.

In this next round, areas of particular interest for AustCyber include building a cyber security capability map, measuring cyber workforce capability and capacity, providing cyber training resources and enhancing cyber security professional learning for schoolteachers.

The application process has been refined to make applying easier. Two project categories have also been introduced:

1. Proposed projects should address one or more specific ‘sector challenges’ that provide core infrastructure for the sustained growth of Australia’s cyber security sector.

2. Proposed projects directly addressing the Sector Knowledge Priorities described in Australia’s Cyber Security Sector Competitiveness Plan.

Expressions of Interest are now open and for this round will close on 12 July 2019.

For more information on the relevant merit criteria and details on how to apply, see the Projects Fund information on AustCyber’s website.