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The Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership (AICCTP) Grant Round 5 invites Australian and Indian institutions to collaborate on high-impact research that shapes a global technology environment aligned with an open, inclusive, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), this program seeks to advance an open rules-based international order while accelerating secure, transparent, and responsible technology development. The total funding pool for Round 5 is AUD 1.6 million, with individual grants typically ranging from AUD 100,000 to AUD 200,000. Proposals should address international standards development, cyber resilience, and governance of the internet in international forums, reflecting DFAT’s priorities for a resilient and innovative Indo-Pacific region. Applications close on 19 December 2025 at 5:00 pm ACT local time, and the selection process is open and competitive, evaluating feasibility, impact, and alignment with stated priorities.
The Round 5 grant opportunity concentrates on three interconnected priority areas designed to foster collaboration between Australia and India and to influence global technology governance. Projects should contribute to the development of international standards that enable deployment of transparent and securely designed technologies across multiple domains, including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, digital public infrastructure, biotechnologies, and emerging space technologies. Emphasis lies on creating robust, runtime-secure frameworks that can support widespread adoption while maintaining trust and accountability in rapidly evolving tech ecosystems.
Additionally, initiatives that bolster cyber resilience and security within the Indo-Pacific region are central to Round 5. Proposals may address risk assessment, incident response coordination, supply chain security, and defensive capabilities that strengthen regional confidence and interoperability among partners. A third pillar focuses on defending an open, free, secure, and interoperable internet in international forums through governance mechanisms. Projects should consider how governance processes, standards development, and policy dialogue can advance an inclusive, globally interoperable internet that withstands evolving threats and political pressures. Together, these priority areas aim to produce tangible, scalable outcomes that strengthen bilateral ties while contributing to a stable, open digital future for the Indo-Pacific.
Eligible applicants comprise Australian and Indian institutions capable of conducting collaborative research and delivering the outcomes envisioned by AICCTP Round 5. Applicants must fall into one of these entity types: a company incorporated in Australia or India; a company incorporated by guarantee; an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust; an incorporated association; a partnership; a joint consortia application with a lead organisation; a business and/or industry undertaking collaborative research; a think tank or research organisation; or an Indian or Australian government-owned research entity. This broad eligibility supports diverse collaboration structures and expertise across sectors.
A critical eligibility condition requires Indian institutions to partner with at least one Australian institution, with the Australian partner responsible for receiving and distributing grant funds in accordance with applicable financial regulations (Australia’s Reserve Bank considerations and India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act). If multiple Australian institutions participate, only one may be identified as the lead for administering grant monies. The program welcomes research collaborations with third countries as part of Australia-India partnerships, encouraging diverse teams and cross-border knowledge exchange. For full eligibility details, applicants should consult the Grant Guidelines, which provide comprehensive criteria and any sector-specific requirements not listed in the summary here.
The AICCTP Round 5 program commits a total funding pool of AUD 1.6 million to support eligible research collaborations. Individual grants are estimated to range from AUD 100,000 up to AUD 200,000, enabling a variety of project scopes and research activities. The funding framework is designed to enable meaningful, outcome-oriented partnerships that deliver tangible contributions to international standards, cyber resilience, and internet governance. Applicants should craft proposals that demonstrate potential for scalable impact, practical feasibility, and alignment with the strategic aims of both Australia and India in the Indo-Pacific context.
The grant opportunity operates on an Open Competitive selection process, ensuring equal consideration for all eligible proposals. Proposals may involve Australian and Indian institutions operating across the Australian states and territories, with the possibility of overseas collaboration as part of broader Australia-India partnerships. The initiative aligns with ongoing international cooperation in technology policy, cybersecurity, and standards development. The round’s timeline includes a publish date of 20 November 2025, a close date of 19 December 2025 at 5:00 pm ACT local time, and a formal evaluation period that follows the submission window. The opportunity sits within the Technology category of DFAT’s grant portfolio and reflects the government’s commitment to strategic science, technology, and international collaboration.
Applicants seeking background, priority areas, eligibility requirements, and application steps should reference the Australia-India AICCTP program information maintained by DFAT. The program page provides the latest guidance on proposal development, evaluation criteria, and deliverables expected from successful projects. While the primary contact remains the Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology Branch, potential applicants are encouraged to prepare proposals with clear partnerships, governance arrangements, and measurable outcomes aligned to the three key priority areas and the Indo-Pacific strategic context.
Key contacts for queries include the Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology Branch at DFAT, with the program email address aicctp@dfat.gov.au available for inquiries and clarifications. Applicants should ensure compliance with eligibility rules, including the requirement for Indian institutions to partner with Australian institutions, and the administrative responsibility placed on the Australian partner for fund distribution in accordance with applicable regulations. If a project is eligible under multiple Commonwealth grants, applicants must choose only one grant track to avoid duplicate funding and ensure regulatory compliance. For those seeking further guidance, DFAT’s AICCTP page outlines additional considerations, expected deliverables, performance indicators, and reporting requirements that help shape robust, outcome-focused proposals.
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Submission Deadline
Dec 19, 2025
Collaboration
International collaboration
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