Security & Defence
The UK is committed to spending a minimum 2% of GDP on defence over the next decade, and at least 20% of that spending on equipment. This commitment represents spending some £186bn on defence equipment and support in the 10 years from 2018/19. The UK is also the second largest defence exporter, winning defence orders worth £14bn in 2018.
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To maintain the safety and security of both the public and visitors to the UK, police, intelligence agencies and the private security sector is supported by a vibrant UK SME security sector which is a global leader in a wide range of products and services who supported the export of over £5.2m goods and services (2018). Globally, the security market – cyber security included – exhibits continued growth and is projected to reach £150bn by 2022.
There are many innovative solutions developed for, and applicable to the defence and security sectors. Our team can help you navigate this landscape by signposting funding opportunities, offering advice, providing guidance and introducing beneficial connections.
Companies developing products, services or innovation that are applicable to defence or security sectors and work in areas like cIoT, Data science/AI/ML, Forensics, Detection and screening technologies, Cryptography, Synthetic biology and chemistry, Radiological and nuclear, UAV/drones, sensors, behavioural science, human enhancement, energy storage, advanced materials and electronics, space and Earth Observation, surveillance and intelligence, logistics, command and control.
Click here to see open funding opportunities in the security & defence sector.
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Related Opportunities
DASA competition: Protecting Physical Assets from Uncrewed Aerial Systems Attack
Opens: 17/04/2024 Closes: 13/06/2024
DASA are seeking proposals that can protect physical assets against an attack from Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS).
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Safeguarded AI: TA1.1 Theory
Opens: 11/04/2024 Closes: 28/05/2024
Backed by £59M, this ARIA programme aims to develop the safety standards we need for transformational AI.
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AUKUS Electronic Warfare Challenge: Electromagnetic Spectrum
Opens: 27/03/2024 Closes: 16/05/2024
How might Defence harness the electromagnetic spectrum to project force to target adversaries and counter their ability to target AUKUS partners?
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DASA competition: Sample Preservation, Analysis, and Attribution
Opens: 04/03/2024 Closes: 30/04/2024
DASA (Defence & Security Accelerator) seeks proposals for sample preservation, analysis and attribution of hazardous chemical and biological materials.
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Use of AI in Screening Individuals of Interest
Opens: 18/03/2024 Closes: 09/05/2024
Can your organisation demonstrate how AI can assist with screening individuals of interest?
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AI Standards Hub
Opens: 12/04/2024 Closes: 31/03/2025
A collaborative platform dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, skills and research related to standards, governance structures and regulatory developments for AI technologies. Join the AI Standards Hub community and explore our resources to expand your understanding of AI standards as governanc
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Reshaping the cybersecurity ecosystem with CyberASAP 23/24: Meet the teams hoping to spin-out
Ahead of the 2024 Demo Day, meet five academic teams striving for success in the commercial market.
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03/11/2023
Taking Security and Defence R&D to Market - help to shape the future
The security and defence (S&D) research and innovation landscape can be confusing and difficult to navigate. Innovate UK KTN is compiling a report of the security and defence R&D landscape to aid innovators in these sectors.