UK launches competition for scalable innovations

The UK is seeking a range of scalable “innovative” technologies that would enable the country’s forces to receive capabilities faster than its adversaries can deliver theirs. 

The technologies are sought under the eighth cycle of the ‘Innovation Support to Operations’ competition, run by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) – part of the UK Ministry of Defence. 

Announced by UKDI on 28 July, the competition has five challenge areas and is specifically open to proposals with a “clear route to operational deployment” within a 12-month timeframe. 

UKDI emphasises that it is not seeking full platforms, but technologies that can be demonstrated as part of a representative system. 

What capabilities are required? 

UAS interceptor sensors 

The first challenge area focuses on sensors for UAS interceptors engaging targets “at combined closing speeds of up to Mach 1”. 

The sensors must be able to detect and track targets, with identification and selection conducted by a human operator. Automatic direction of the interceptor during the final stage of engagement is required. 

One-way attack UAS seekers 

The second challenge area is open to UAS seekers that can detect, discriminate, track, and engage targets. These would be used in sub-300kph one-way attack UASs. 

The seekers should also be passive, which means that they would rely on signatures or energy present in the environment to detect targets. 

Platform survivability 

Under the third challenge, UKDI is seeking passive survivability solutions to improve the resilience of UASs, guided missiles, and uncrewed surface vessels.

Submissions may include, for example, radar absorbent materials or multispectral decoys, among others. 

Telemetry data

UKDI is seeking solutions that enable low-bandwidth, low-signature telemetry data communication over long distances under its fourth challenge area. 

This would enable forces to know whether a UAS has completed its mission, including at low altitudes and in contested electromagnetic environments.

Maritime autonomous navigation 

The fifth challenge area focuses on maritime autonomous navigation solutions that allow uncrewed surface vessels to determine their location and navigate to a specific destination.

Results of the competition 

The deadline to apply for the competition is 22 September, with funding decisions expected in December. 

Selected proposals will then enter a four-month project phase, which will include a demonstration of the technology’s performance in “representative operational scenarios”.

At the end of the project, the approaches should achieve a technology readiness level of at least six. 

The results from funded projects may go on to be further developed or procured, UKDI says. 

According to UKDI, the competition is only open to UK-based companies and academic institutions. While projects are expected to cost no more than GBP350,000, applications of up to GBP1 million “will be considered”.