CFPs: Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership Grant (Round 5)

The Australia–India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership (AICCTP) grant supports joint Australia–India research and collaboration on cyber security and critical technologies. With up to AUD 1.6 million available, the program funds projects that strengthen cyber resilience, develop international technology standards, and promote a secure, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is inviting applications for the Australia–India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership (AICCTP). This funding program supports collaborative research and institutional partnerships between Australia and India to address shared challenges and opportunities in cyber security and critical and emerging technologies.

About the AICCTP

The AICCTP is a bilateral initiative designed to deepen Australia–India cooperation across research, business, government, and policy communities. It supports projects that align with both countries’ shared vision for a technologically advanced, inclusive, stable, and rules-based international order, particularly within the Indo-Pacific region.

Program Objectives

The AICCTP aims to:

• Strengthen Australia–India collaboration on cyber and critical technologies

• Deepen institutional, research, business, and government linkages

• Enhance cyber resilience and security across the Indo-Pacific

• Support the development of international technology standards

• Defend an open, free, secure, and interoperable internet

• Promote responsible and transparent technology governance

Priority Areas for the Fifth Grant Round

The fifth round of AICCTP grants prioritizes projects in the following thematic areas.

International Standards for Critical Technologies

Projects that contribute to the development of global standards for secure, transparent, and responsibly designed technologies, including:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Quantum technologies

• Digital public infrastructure

• Biotechnologies

• Emerging space technologies

Cyber Security and Cyber Resilience

Initiatives that strengthen cyber security capabilities and resilience across the Indo-Pacific, including:

• Cyber threat prevention and mitigation

• Capacity-building for cyber defence

• Secure digital infrastructure

• Regional cooperation on cyber security challenges

Internet Governance and Digital Freedom

Projects that support:

• An open, free, and interoperable internet

• Effective governance mechanisms in international and multilateral forums

• Norms, rules, and principles for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace

Why This Partnership Matters

The AICCTP is strategically important because it:

• Supports trusted technology ecosystems between Australia and India

• Addresses shared cyber and technology risks in the Indo-Pacific

• Promotes global standards that reflect democratic values

• Strengthens regional stability, security, and innovation

• Builds long-term research and institutional relationships

Funding Available

• Total funding for this round: AUD 1,600,000

• Grant size per project: AUD 100,000 to AUD 200,000

• Funding type: Research and collaboration grants
  Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered.

Funding Restrictions

If a project is successful under multiple Commonwealth funding programs, applicants must choose either:

• The AICCTP grant, or

• An alternative Commonwealth grant
  Dual funding for the same project is not permitted.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include Australian and Indian entities, such as:

• Companies incorporated in Australia or India

• Companies limited by guarantee

• Incorporated associations

• Incorporated trustees acting on behalf of a trust

• Partnerships

• Joint or consortium applications led by an eligible organization

Eligible Collaboration Types

The program supports collaborative initiatives involving:

• Businesses and industry partners

• Think tanks and policy research institutes

• Universities and research organizations

• Government-owned or publicly funded research entities
  Collaborations may involve partners from Australia, India, or both.

How the Grant Works

1. Applicants design a project aligned with AICCTP priority areas.

2. Projects must demonstrate Australia–India collaboration.

3. Applications are assessed against eligibility and strategic alignment.

4. Successful applicants receive funding between AUD 100,000 and AUD 200,000.

5. Funded projects contribute to research, standards development, or policy outcomes.

How to Apply

Applicants should:

1. Confirm eligibility under AICCTP guidelines.

2. Develop a collaborative project with Australian and/or Indian partners.

3. Ensure the project aligns with one or more priority areas.

4. Submit a complete application to DFAT under the AICCTP round.

5. Be prepared to choose AICCTP funding if successful under multiple Commonwealth programs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects without clear Australia–India collaboration

• Proposing activities outside the priority technology areas

• Applying for overlapping Commonwealth funding for the same project

• Weak alignment with cyber security or international standards objectives

• Incomplete eligibility documentation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Australia–India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership?

It is a DFAT-led initiative supporting bilateral collaboration on cyber security and critical technologies.

How much funding is available?

A total of AUD 1.6 million is available, with individual grants ranging from AUD 100,000 to AUD 200,000.

Who can apply?

Eligible Australian and Indian institutions, companies, research bodies, and consortia.

Are joint or consortium applications allowed?

Yes. Joint and consortium-led applications are encouraged.

Can a project receive funding from multiple Commonwealth programs?

No. Applicants must choose either the AICCTP grant or another Commonwealth grant for the same project.

What types of projects are prioritized?

Projects focused on critical technology standards, cyber resilience, and internet governance.

Why is Australia–India collaboration important in this area?

Both countries share strategic interests in secure technologies, regional stability, and a rules-based digital order.

Conclusion

The Australia–India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership grant provides a significant opportunity to advance bilateral collaboration in cyber security and emerging technologies. By supporting research, standards development, and institutional partnerships, the AICCTP strengthens regional resilience, promotes responsible technology governance, and contributes to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific future.