News story

Keeping people safe in busy spaces: £1.6 million Themed Competition launched

Do you have an innovation that could give an early warning to indicate unsafe levels of toxic gases in busy spaces?

  • DASA has launched a new Themed Competition called Rapid Detection of Toxic Gases
  • Funded by the Home Office
  • Up to £1.6 million (ex VAT) funding available for innovative proposals that can enhance the rapid detection of toxic gases

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition called ‘Rapid Detection of Toxic Gases’. Run on behalf of the Home Office, this competition seeks new technologies that enhance the rapid detection of toxic gases to enable an early warning of unsafe levels of toxic gases in potentially busy spaces.

The rapid release of toxic gas in an enclosed or semi-enclosed environment can occur through accident, equipment malfunction or malicious intent. The impact can outpace existing safety procedures and potentially lead to adverse health effects for those in the vicinity. Therefore, we are seeking new technological solutions to combat this health, safety, and security challenge.

Key dates and funding

  • The total possible funding available for Phase 1 of this themed competition is £1.6 million, with a maximum limit of £200,000 per proposal.
  • The deadline to submit a proposal is midday (GMT) on Thursday 28 March 2024
  • A Q&A webinar to discuss the competition requirements will take place on Wednesday 7 February 2024
  • A series of 15 minute 1-2-1 webinar sessions will take place on Wednesday 14 February and Thursday 22 February 2024 and provide the opportunity to ask specific questions

What are we looking for?

We are interested in detection options suitable for air quality monitoring in potentially busy spaces that act as an early warning to indicate unsafe levels of toxic gases. As well as detection, we are also interested in estimating concentration, minimising nuisance alarms, quick identification of toxic gases and areas at risk; as well as potential for networking to future smart facility management systems.

Read the full competition document to learn more about the challenge area.  

Webinars and online events

Launch Q&A Webinar: 7 February 2024, 2pm (GMT)

This webinar will provide more information on the challenge areas and how to submit a proposal. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions in the Q&A.

Register here

1-2-1 Sessions: 14 February 2024 & 22 February 2024

A series of 15 minute one-to-one teleconference sessions, giving you the opportunity to ask specific questions.

Register for a session below:

14 February 2024

22 February 2024

Submit a proposal

Do you have an idea for a novel technology that could give an early warning to indicate unsafe levels of toxic gases and help us to address key defence and security challenges?

Read the full competition document to learn more and submit a proposal.

Published 23 January 2024