Navantia Australia and RMIT University have been awarded a grant through the AEA Ignite program to develop a Neuromorphic Light Field Receiver Module for covert satellite to underwater communication.
“The project will deliver a flexible, high-performance unit capable of supporting a broad range of underwater platforms,” Navantia Australia Chief Information and Technology Officer, Ross Yannatos, said.
“By improving the quality and speed of information exchange, it will strengthen coordination, provide greater situational awareness, and enable more effective underwater operations across future maritime missions.”
The grant is worth $500,000 with the partner and collaborator investments bringing the total value of the project to $800,000. The grant has formed part of the more than $72.5 million that has been distributed in the latest round of Australia’s Economic Accelerator Ignite program, with 174 projects from 27 universities receiving funding.
“The benefits of this technology will reach far beyond defence, extending to offshore energy safety, environmental monitoring, and scientific research,” Navantia Australia Managing Director, Israel Lozano, stated.
“Research partnerships such as this play a vital role in strengthening the national defence industry. They accelerate the development of advanced technologies, build sovereign skills, and ensure Australia remains at the forefront of maritime innovation.”
The project will develop and demonstrate a hybrid underwater communications and navigation module designed for autonomous underwater systems. Its purpose is to allow multiple vehicles to share information with accuracy and reliability while coordinating tasks in demanding marine environments.
“This joint project builds on an established relationship between RMIT and Navantia, highlighting our organisations’ ongoing commitment to advancing innovative projects and building capability in sectors of national importance,” RMIT University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Calum Drummond, highlighted.
“By working together, we will strengthen research expertise and explore innovative solutions for Australia's growing maritime sector.”
The technologies developed through this program support a broader shift toward more connected, intelligent, and autonomous maritime systems.
These advancements are expected to influence the future of the maritime sector by improving underwater communication, enhancing the performance of uncrewed systems, and enabling faster, more informed decision making in complex operational environments.