On 5 December 2016, the Minister for Defence Industry launched the Defence Innovation Hub, which will invest around $640m over the decade in defence innovation. To deliver on the Government's commitment to a simplified, streamlined approach to innovation, all existing innovation programs, including the Rapid Prototyping, Development and Evaluation (RPDE) program are being fully integrated into the Defence Innovation Hub by the end of 2017.

The functions and services previously provided by RPDE, especially those in support to capability development and Capability Managers, will be sustained by the Defence Innovation Hub. The traditional RPDE activities such as QuickAnswers and Quicklooks will continue under the auspices of the Hub, while a new collaboration framework is developed. The Hub will continue to use the RPDE Membership to source specialist expertise to work on these activities. As the plan for integration matures you will start to see more changes to the Program.

Part of the transition includes a review of IT infrastructure and the rationalisation of websites and collaboration sites. While the transition is underway, this site will continue to provide information on the current transition and past activities of the RPDE program.

For more information on the Defence Innovation Hub, including Call for Submission, Special Notices, Intellectual Property Strategy, Contract Template and Priority Innovation Needs, visit: www.business.gov.au/cdic or call 13 28 46.