Deakin Cyber Research and Innovation Centre

What Deakin Cyber Research and Innovation Centre does

Deakin Cyber Research and Innovation Centre is a multi-disciplinary cyber-security research centre operating within Deakin University, established in 2018 as the Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation (CSRI) and rebranded to its current name in 2023. It is headquartered at Deakin University's Geelong Waterfront Campus, with a secondary event location at Deakin Downtown in Melbourne, and is directed by Professor Chad Whelan (with Professor Robin Doss as a senior research leader). The centre coordinates 120+ researchers across computer science, information systems, business, law, criminology, policy, education, and communications, organised around five research themes: advancing cyber-security technologies, securing data and infrastructure, promoting cybersafe behaviours, disrupting cyber harms, and harmonising cyber governance.

Its research output spans quantum-safe DNS development (auDA-funded), zero-trust architectures for Australian critical infrastructure (Defence-funded), next-generation authentication technologies, autonomous-vehicle cyber-security with Bosch Australia, the DACCA Common Criteria project, and behavioural-cyber research. The centre also operates a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program for PhD and Masters candidates and runs community education programs including CyberNinjas, a free VR-based cyber-safety program for children aged 8–16 funded by the eSafety Commissioner.

The centre does not sell commercial products and does not operate a pricing model; revenue is grant-funded. Income streams include competitive research grants (ARC, Australian Economic Accelerator, Department of Defence, auDA, eSafety Commissioner), Cooperative Research Centre funding (CSCRC), and industry collaborative research contracts with partners such as Bosch Australia, Tata Consulting Services, CSIRO/Data61, Quintessence Labs, and VMIA. The centre reports aggregate research income exceeding AUD $15 million and assets exceeding AUD $5 million. Distribution occurs through annual conferences (the Deakin Cyber Conference), academic publications, direct industry and government engagement, HDR program enrolment, and free community/education outreach.

Name

Deakin Cyber Research and Innovation Centre

Legal name

Deakin Cyber Research and Innovation Centre

Website

https://cybercentre.org.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Deakin Cyber Research and Innovation Centre is a university research centre within Deakin University employing 120+ multi-disciplinary researchers across five cyber-security themes. It delivers grant-funded research on quantum-safe DNS, zero-trust architectures, authentication, and autonomous-vehicle security for Australian government and industry partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cybersecurity Research

NAICS

Computer Training (611420), Other Computer Related Services (541519), Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

Cybersecurity Learning Platforms (EDAFANAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cybersecurity (General) (EDAOAIAB), Cyber Defense & Information Security (National Security) (BPAIAHAE), Cybersecurity (EDAAAPAC), Cybersecurity Training & Awareness Programs (BPAEANAF)

Keywords

• Cybersecurity research
• Critical infrastructure security
• Quantum-safe cryptography
• Cyber safety education
• Higher degree research

Headquarters

HQ city

Geelong

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Research Grants and Government Funding: Deakin Cyber receives substantial research funding from government bodies including Australian Research Council (ARC) grants, DECRA awards, Australian Economic Accelerator (AEA) program, Department of Defence grants, and Australian Signals Directorate funding
2. Industry Collaborative Research: Collaborative research projects with industry partners including Bosch Australia, Tata Consulting Services, CSIRO/Data61, Victorian Managed Insurance Authority, and others that provide project funding and real-world research applications
3. Cooperative Research Centre Funding: Funding through Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre (CSCRC) for industry-focused research initiatives and inter-sectoral projects
4. Higher Degree by Research Programs: PhD and Masters programs where students undertake supervised research, potentially supported by scholarships and industry partnerships
5. Government Community Education Grants: Funding from government bodies such as eSafety Commissioner for community education programs like CyberNinjas

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Deakin Cyber is a multi-disciplinary cyber security research centre that delivers collaborative research projects, funded programs, and educational initiatives across five research themes: advancing cyber security technologies, securing data and infrastructure, promoting cybersafe behaviours, disrupting cyber harms, and harmonising cyber governance. Its sellable offerings include the CyberNinjas VR cyber-safety program for schoolchildren, a Higher Degree by Research (PhD/Masters) program in cyber security, and numerous flagship research projects (Quantum-Safe DNS, Zero Trust Architectures, Next Generation Authentication Technologies, DACCA, and the State of Cyber Fitness in Australian Small Businesses).

Product overview

Deakin Cyber is a university research centre offering a portfolio of cyber security research projects and educational programs. The centre operates across five research themes: Advancing Cyber Security Technologies, Securing Data and Infrastructure, Promoting Cybersafe Behaviours, Disrupting Cyber Harms, and Harmonising Cyber Governance. Key offerings include CyberNinjas (a VR/web-based cyber safety game for children), various research projects on authentication technologies, quantum-safe DNS, and critical infrastructure security, and a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program for PhD and Masters students. The centre collaborates with government and industry partners including Bosch Australia, Tata Consulting Services, CSIRO/Data61, and the Cyber Security CRC.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CyberNinjas: A free Virtual Reality game and school incursion program teaching children and young people how to safely navigate the metaverse and learn cyber safety behaviours.
• State of Cyber Fitness in Australian Small Businesses
• Quantum-Safe DNS Project
• DACCA (Development of Australian Cyber Criteria Assessment)

Products and services

• CyberNinjas: Empowering our Children to be Cyber Smart in the Metaverse A free Virtual Reality game and school incursion program that uses interactive storytelling and 3D immersive technologies to teach children aged 8-16 how to safely navigate the metaverse and learn cyber safety behaviours. Delivered to schools in Victoria and NSW.
• HDR (Higher Degree by Research) Program in Cyber Security PhD and Master of Science programs in cyber security where students undertake supervised research with at least two expert supervisors, with access to scholarships and industry partnerships.
• Zero Trust Architectures for Australia's Critical Infrastructure Security A research project developing zero trust architectures for Australia's critical infrastructure security, funded by Australian Government Department of Defence.
• Next Generation Authentication Technologies Research program developing next generation authentication technologies for securing infrastructures of national significance across banking, finance, telecommunications, energy, supply chain, defence and government sectors, involving zero trust authentication with ambient intelligence and cyber deception capabilities.
• Safe Transition to a Quantum-Safe DNS A project developing quantum-resistant encryption approaches for Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) to ensure continued resilience and security of the global internet in the post-quantum era.
• Development of Australian Cyber Criteria Assessment (DACCA) A project promoting the use of Common Criteria (CC) among stakeholders in IT security products, funded by Cyber Security CRC. Won AISA's Researcher(s) of the Year Award in 2021.
• The State of Cyber Fitness in Australian Small Businesses Coalition research project with Cynch Security and RMIT University analyzing the cyber fitness of Australian small businesses, producing an industry white paper on security challenges facing SMEs.
• CyberNinjas Teacher Resources (Resource Kit) Resource kit for teachers accompanying the CyberNinjas program, including lesson plans for Years 3-6 and Years 7-10 aligned with Australian and Victorian Curriculum.

Quantifiable outcome

• 84% of Australian small businesses have adopted online services and rely on up to 30 separate technologies
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2021Joint 2-day workshop on Cyber Security for IoT-enabled Critical Infrastructure, bringing together researchers, experts and policy makers to discuss challenges and solutions.
• Australian Department of Defence - Information Warfare DivisioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2020Australian Government Department of Defence grant for development of Zero Trust Architectures for Australia's Critical Infrastructure Security. Phase 1 funding of $60,000.
• auDA (.au Domain Administration)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerauDA awarded Deakin Cyber $1.047 million to lead development of a quantum-safe Domain Name System (DNS), ensuring continued resilience and security of the global internet in the post-quantum era.
• Bosch AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSRI researchers working with Bosch Australia to help ensure next-generation vehicles are cyber-safe through development of new technologies, platforms and software for self-driving technologies.
• Tata Consulting Services (TCS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn collaboration with TCS, CSIRO/Data61 and CSCRC, researchers developing next generation authentication technologies to protect critical infrastructure assets from sophisticated adversaries.
• CSIRO/Data61coreTechnology or IntegrationCollaborating on development of next generation authentication technologies and zero trust security architectures for critical infrastructure protection.
• Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre (CSCRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeakin is the only Victorian University member of the Commonwealth-funded CSCRC. Collaboration on industry-focused inter-sectoral research including DACCA project and authentication technologies.
• Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with VMIA to undertake research into assessing utility of cyber harm prevention programs from a cyber insurance perspective, developing roadmap for proactive interventions across Victorian public sector.
• Charles Sturt University (CSU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on the DACCA (Development of Australian Cyber Criteria Assessment) project promoting use of Common Criteria among IT security product stakeholders.
• Australasian Certification Authority at ACSCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on DACCA project implementing Common Criteria certification and approval processes for IT security products in Australia.
• Australian Federal PolicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on combating organised cybercrime as part of Deakin Cyber's diverse body of work in protecting Australian communities.
• CREST (Cyber Security CRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCREST researchers collaborating on various projects including State of Cyber Fitness in Australian Small Businesses research initiative.
• Cynch SecurityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner on Australia's largest cyber security project researching cyber fitness of Australian small businesses.
• RMIT UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner on State of Cyber Fitness in Australian Small Businesses research project.
• Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeakin University is a member of ATN, connecting with other technology-focused universities for research collaboration.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Australian National University (ANU) Cyber Institute: ANU's Cyber Institute is a multi-disciplinary cyber research body with strong defence and policy linkages, directly comparable to Deakin Cyber's defence-funded work and socio-technical research mix.
• UNSW Canberra Cyber: UNSW Canberra Cyber is Australia's largest dedicated cyber research centre, operating within UNSW. Like Deakin Cyber, it pursues multi-disciplinary cyber research with defence and government funding and runs HDR programmes, making it the closest Australian scale peer.
• Macquarie University Cyber Security Hub: Macquarie's Cyber Security Hub conducts industry-collaborative cyber research with government and enterprise partners, paralleling Deakin Cyber's model of combining research with industry partnerships and HDR training.
• Edith Cowan University Security Research Institute: ECU's Security Research Institute is another Australian university-based cyber research hub focused on critical infrastructure and SOC operations research, overlapping with Deakin Cyber's critical infrastructure and authentication research.
• Monash University Faculty of IT — Cybersecurity Research: Monash's cybersecurity research group conducts comparable multi-disciplinary cyber R&D in an Australian public university setting, competes for the same ARC and federal funding, and offers HDR programmes similar to Deakin Cyber.
• Swinburne University Centre for Cybersecurity Research and Innovation: Swinburne's cyber centre operates within a Melbourne-based public university with similar industry-collaborative and HDR programmes, overlapping directly with Deakin Cyber's Victoria-based footprint and partner mix.

Others

• CSIRO's Data61: Data61 is Australia's national applied research body and an active collaboration partner of Deakin Cyber. It is the broader incumbent counterpart that both funds and competes with university cyber centres.

Broad incumbents

• Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute (SEI): CMU SEI is a global leader in federally-funded cyber research (notably for the US Department of Defense). It represents the large-scale, well-funded university-affiliated cyber research centre archetype against which Deakin Cyber benchmarks.
• MIT Lincoln Laboratory: MIT Lincoln Laboratory runs large-scale, federally-funded cyber and information systems research. It is the international benchmark for defence-oriented academic cyber research with broad scope.

Emerging players

• SANS Institute: SANS is a cybersecurity training and certification organisation with research outputs. It overlaps with Deakin Cyber's training/awareness delivery (e.g. CyberNinjas' awareness-training mission) but operates commercially rather than academically.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/deakincyber

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Deakin Cyber Research and Innovation Centre