SUBMISSIONS FOR THIS CFP HAVE NOW CLOSED
Calls for Proposals: Vehicle as a Node (VaaN) Antenna Development
The Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN) invites proposals for short, focused research projects addressing a key operational challenge for emergency services in New South Wales: how to significantly extend vehicle-based Wi-Fi coverage when traditional networks are unavailable.
This Call for Proposals seeks practical, technically sound solutions that improve the effective Wi-Fi range of existing Vehicle-as-a-Node (VaaN) systems used by emergency service organisations operating in regional, remote and disaster-affected environments.
Why this call matters
The NSW Government has made a substantial investment in Vehicle-as-a-Node (VaaN) technology to augment the Public Safety Network (PSN). VaaN systems are already deployed on NSW State Emergency Service vehicles and are being rolled out more broadly across emergency service fleets.
While VaaN enables communications when PSN coverage is unavailable, current vehicle-mounted Wi-Fi antennas typically provide limited range. In operational scenarios such as land rescue, bushfires and flood response, personnel often operate well beyond the immediate vicinity of vehicles. Extending the Wi-Fi coverage area around VaaN-equipped vehicles would materially improve safety, capability and the return on investment of the existing system.
Focus of the Call of Proposals
CIN is seeking proposals that explore passive antenna solutions capable of significantly extending the Wi-Fi “bubble” around VaaN-equipped vehicles.
The focus is on:
Retrofit-ready solutions compatible with existing VaaN systems
Designs suitable for vehicle-mounted, field-based deployment
Measurable improvements in Wi-Fi coverage range
Full technical requirements and performance targets are detailed in the Application Brief.
Project scope
Project duration: up to 3 months
Funding: up to $60,000 per project
Number of projects: up to two may be supported
Successful projects will be expected to deliver a technical report and participate in a live demonstration as part of CIN public demonstrations.
Key dates
Applications open: Friday, 6 February 2026
Applications close: Thursday, 26 February 2026
Who is eligible to apply?
Proposals are open to Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN) member universities and CIN member industry organisations
Applications may be submitted by university or industry-led teams
Collaboration between universities and industry partners is welcome
If you are unsure whether your organisation is a CIN member, you can check the full list on the CIN Members page.
How to apply
1. Download and read the full Call for Proposals briefing document (PDF).
2. Complete all required fields in the Call for Proposals application form.
3. Submit your application and supporting documents to admin@connectivityinnovationnetwork.com by Thursday, 26 February 2026
FAQs
Proposals are open to Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN) member universities and CIN member industry organisations.
No. The closing date of Thursday, 26 February 2026 is firm. Late submissions cannot be accepted.
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