In collaboration with the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN), the Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN) is calling for proposals to develop innovative disaster sensing technologies in the fields of physical and information sciences and engineering.
NSSN and CIN held the Regional Connectivity Challenges Symposium on 26-27th September 2023 which highlighted the need for innovative and advanced disaster sensing technologies. Representatives from government, the local community, first responders and academics working within the sensing space made recommendations for managing the increasing level of climate-disasters. This call for proposals in the sensing for disasters space is an opportunity to develop research and innovative solutions that will improve outcomes for citizens of NSW, particularly those in regional disaster-stricken areas.
The Problem
The increasing frequency of extreme weather events and natural disasters driven by climate change presents unprecedented challenges to both our economy and our communities. To manage the risks and reduce damage caused by natural disasters, we require advanced real-time, accurate sensing technologies. Currently, a range of sensing technologies already exist such as satellite imaging, weather radar and water gauges. However, the devastating Lismore floods illustrated that existing technologies are neither agile nor comprehensive enough to adequately prepare our communities and emergency services for extreme events. New innovations are necessary.
The Solution
In collaboration with the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN), the Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN) is calling for proposals to develop innovative disaster sensing technologies in the fields of physical and information sciences, and engineering. Example areas include, but not limited to are:
- robotics
- AI
- signal processing
- low-cost radar &
- Internet of Things (IoT)
Our aim is to nurture the creation and development of new sensing technologies that are real-time, accurate and reliable for predicting and monitoring natural disasters — floods and bushfire disasters in particular.
We appreciate that research and innovation is a long-term process, and great ideas need to be nurtured at an early stage. We also understand the imperative of delivering real world impacts. Therefore, we are calling for two streams of research proposals, each with a 12 month duration.
Stream 1 is for fundamental research with the objective of completing theoretical proof or lab experiments at the end of the project.
The funding for Stream 1 projects is up to $40K per project.
Stream 2 is for innovative projects that can be demonstrated in the field, at the end of the project.
The funding for Stream 2 projects is up to $150K per project.
The final amounts granted will depend on the number of projects awarded.
Applications Open
Thursday, 5th October 2023
Applications Close
Wednesday, 8th November 2023
Project Timeline
12 Months
Who is Eligible
University and industry members of the CIN and/or NSSN
How to Apply
- Read the full Call for Proposals as a PDF here
- Download the Call for Proposals: Sensing for Disasters application form
- Fill all of the relevant fields within the PDF
- Upload to the submissions portal below, along with any additional supporting documents before Wednesday 8th November 2023
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply?
All CIN and NSSN members are eligible to apply
Can I apply if I am not a member of the CIN or NSSN?
Non-members are not eligible to apply or lead an application. However, if a non-member has collaborators who are members, they may participate in an application via in-kind and/or cash contributions. Non-members are not able to receive financial benefits from successfully funded CIN projects.
Timeline for projects
Project durations are for a maximum of 12 months
Can I apply for more than 1 Stream?
Yes.
Is there the maximum number of proposals I can submit?
What should I include in my application?
All required information is outlined in the application form
For Stream 1: applications are restricted to one proposal submission only
For Stream 2: no maximum
Where do I submit my application?
There is a submission button on this page above the FAQs
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Send your queries to admin@connectivityinnovationnetwork.com. We will aim to respond within 3 business days.
I missed the deadline; can I still apply?
The closing date of Wednesday 8th November 2023 for the CFPs is firm. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept late submissions.
When am I likely to hear about the outcome of my submission?
The CIN plans to announce outcomes by 15 December 15th, 2023. You will be notified of the outcome in advance of the announcement.