Applications are now open for the 2026 NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) Grand Challenge Fund. Grants of up to $100,000 are available per project to support the development of projects that link with industry or government partners and devise a smart sensing solution that has a defined pathway to genuine impact, either through commercialisation or operationalisation.
Apply for the NSSN Grand Challenge Fund
The Grand Challenge Fund promotes the development of innovative, collaborative research projects that respond to the five NSSN priority themes.
NSSN Chief Operating Officer Nick Haskins explained that the network spans five priority themes, each focused on the applications of smart sensing:
- Human Health
- Net Zero
- Natural Hazards
- Smart Places
- Environment & Agriculture
“When we talk about smart sensing, we're not just talking about sensor device innovation itself: we are talking about the systems that wrap around those devices,” Nick said.
The priority themes address complex challenges that are critical to our environment, health, economy and society. Each demand innovative solutions that will impact future generations.
They have been selected for the important role smart sensing can play in responding to the issue and where technological innovation holds the promise of creating significant change.
We'd love to hear about what you're doing. We’re looking for innovation that's on the pathway to commercialisation.
The priority themes also align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and have been selected based on the NSSN’s unique ability to mobilise the world-class R&D capability across its member universities in partnership with industry and government for impactful outcomes.
“We are interested in AI and data analytics, and our focus extends from science and engineering into the humanities and social sciences,” Nick said.
“We'd love to hear about what you're doing. We’re looking for innovation that's on the pathway to commercialisation.”
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible, projects must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Leadership: be led by an NSSN member university (the Chief Investigator must be a salaried researcher at an NSSN member university. ECRs/MCRs are encouraged to apply)
- Collaboration: involve a minimum of two NSSN member universities (including the lead)
- Partnership: partner with at least one industry or government partner
- Co-investment: attract cash co-investment from industry/government partners at least equal to the requested amount
Projects that do not meet these criteria will not be assessed.
Selection criteria
Projects will be assessed on the following assessment criteria:
- Significance – how the project represents a significant and novel approach to addressing the priority theme. 30%
- Collaboration – how the project integrates and fosters genuine collaboration between NSSN member universities. 15%
- Partnership – how the project integrates genuine partnership with industry and government partners and responds to a defined industry or government need. 15%
- Governance & Feasibility – how the project defines a realistic research plan and the measures that will ensure delivery on milestones. 15%
- Impact pathway – how the project defines a pathway to commercialisation. 15%
- Diversity – How the project represents diversity of gender and under-represented cohorts in the team. 10%
Interested in applying?
Interested in applying for the NSSN Grand Challenge Fund 2026? Reach out to UTS’ NSSN Coordinator, Dr Sabina Doldor, via email as well as the relevant NSSN theme leader as early as possible in the application process to ensure the greatest chance of your application’s success.
Attend the information webinar
Join the informational webinar in which NSSN staff will guide you through the application process, share tips on submitting a successful application and answer any questions you may have.
Register to attend the Grand Challenge Fund Information Webinar on Tuesday 3 February, 1pm – 2pm.