Natural Hazards Detection System

The Natural Hazards Detection System (NHDS) Program is a $3.3 million multi-phased competitive grant program aimed at testing innovative detection technologies. The goal is to improve early identification and warning systems for natural hazards such as floods and bushfires, providing residents with more time to evacuate and enabling emergency services to prioritise areas of highest risk.

The Program allows companies to demonstrate that their technology is both fit for purpose and offers value for money, while also enabling emergency management agencies to evaluate their suitability to address identified challenges. Challenges have been developed by NSW Government agencies, with a focus on fire and flood detection.

The NSW Government is committed to advancing innovative technologies to enhance natural hazard detection, aligning with Recommendation 5 of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry (2020) and Recommendation 2 of the NSW Flood Inquiry (2022). Both inquiries highlight the importance of using new detection technologies to mitigate the impact of natural hazards by delivering timely warnings.

The NHDS Program is administered by the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer (OCSE) within the Premier’s Department, in collaboration with the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).

The NHDS Program has three phases:

• Phase 1: Proof of Concept – Organisations submit proposals to address a specific challenge and funding will be allocated through a competitive process.

Grant recipients of Phase 1 will be eligible to apply for Phase 2, through a competitive process. These guidelines are for Phase 1 – Proof of Concept. Separate guidelines will be released for Phase 2 and its terms, eligibility and criteria are at the discretion of OCSE.

• Phase 2: Pilot (by invitation) - Trial technology on a large scale in real-world scenarios.
• Phase 3: Post-NHDS grant – NSW Government will assess the solutions and may consider them for procurement. Note: participation in the program does not guarantee procurement.

Important: you must read both the Phase 1 Guidelines and the Challenge Statements before applying for the grant.

Phase 1 Guidelines

NHDS Phase 1 Guidelines

Challenge Statements

NHDS Challenge Statements

Phase 1 Application Form

NHDS Phase 1 Application Form

Webinar

OCSE hosted an NHDS Phase 1 Webinar on Wednesday 6 November at 12pm.

NHDS FAQ

NHDS FAQ

Key Dates

Contact

You can contact the NHDS team at: grants@chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au for more information.

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