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To accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge innovative capabilities so that the United Kingdom is both secure at home and strong abroad.

Updates to this page

From:
UK Defence Innovation
Published:
3 February 2026
Last updated:
10 September 2026
Show all updates

  1. Rapid Detection of Toxic Gases & Generation After Next Electro-Optics competitions added to pipeline competitions

  2. Tactical Power challenge added to the competition pipeline

  3. Removed Space To Innovate Competition from Open Stage 2 Competitions list. Added Project PANOPTES to Themed competitions Open list

  4. The closing date of Stage 2 of the Novel Autonomy and Robotics competition has been edited (from 15 to 17 September 2026).

  5. Added '- UK submissions only' to the relevant competitions

  6. Updated the link to 'Contact the help centre' under the DIL section

  7. Added new guidance - Advice for UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) Prospective Applicants

  8. Security Open Call 2026 Cycle 1, closing 27 August 2026 added. Note regarding Defence Open Call status updated.

  9. Innovation Support to Operations Cycle 8 added to Themed Competitions open now Added a stage 2 header and moved space to innovate

  10. Novel Autonomy and Robotics Competition added to Themed Competitions open now section and removed from pipeline

  11. Space to Innovate: Delta Drop launched

  12. Innovation Support to Operations Cycle 8 (Phase 3) added to the pipeline.

  13. Removed Map the Gap Phase 3 Competition from Live competitions Added Space to Innovate Delta Drop and Novel Autonomy and Robotics to Pipeline competitions

  14. Removed Biosecurity Frontiers from open competitions

  15. Page title updated to better explain the page contents in a simplified manner that users can understand

  16. Rapid Transfusion Diagnostics - optimising safety on operations Themed competition moved from list of live competitions to list of past competitions now that it has closed.

  17. Removed details of Countering Fibre Optic Uncrewed Aerial Systems Market Exploration as now closed for submissions.

  18. Update on Defence Innovation Loans which are currently paused

  19. Innovation Support to Operations Phase 3 (Cycle 7) has been removed from Themed Competitions open now as it has closed.

  20. Map the Gap Phase 3 competition moved from the pipeline section to the Open Competitions section

  21. New competition launched - Biosecurity Frontiers

  22. Countering Illegal Use of UAS Around Prisons and Sensitive Sites, now closed. Links have been removed from themed competition list.

  23. Countering Fibre Optic Uncrewed Aerial Systems Market Engagement added to page

  24. Event sign up link added to pipeline description for critical biological security innovation forum.

  25. Pipeline Competition description updated. Conflict Wounds themed competition removed from list of open competitions; it has closed. Defence Innovation Loans FY26/27 Cycle 1 added as the new open cycle, and FY25/26 Cycle 7 removed (it has closed).

  26. Edits to reflect that the themed competition, Rapid Transfusion Diagnostics: optimising safety on deployed operations, has opened.

  27. Innovation Support to Operations Phase 3 (Cycle 7) added to Themed Competitions open now.

  28. Changed title from UKDI Competitions and Services to UKDI Competition Services.

  29. Removed Autonomous Sensors and Sensor Management Phase 2

  30. Added a new competition to the pipeline page

  31. Countering Illegal Use of UAS Around Prisons and Sensitive Sites, themed competition now launched. Competition Pipeline updated to show themed competition has now launched and added description of upcoming Biosecurity cross government themed competition.

  32. First published.

Open Call for Innovation

The Open Call for Innovation looks for disruptive ideas that might otherwise be overlooked. If your innovation could make a difference, we want to hear about it.

We run several competitions throughout the year, giving you regular opportunities to get involved. Please see below for the open opportunities.

Closing date Competition
27 August 2026 Security Open Call 2026 Cycle 1 - UK submissions only

Innovating for Defence

We’re developing a new way to receive and assess innovative ideas for Defence, following the publication of the Defence Investment Plan. This will help us better connect innovative solutions with Defence needs and support our Military Commands. We’ll share more details on how to submit Defence-focused innovations as this work progresses.

In the meantime, if your idea fits one of the focus areas in the current Security Open Call, please review the competition document and consider applying.

Keep an eye on our website and communications channels for updates on future Defence opportunities.

You can view previous Open Call Cycles here.

Themed Competitions

Themed Competitions focus on specific areas of interest to government. They give you the chance to submit proposals that address a defined challenge or priority.

These competitions often run for a limited time, so keep an eye on closing dates.

View previous Themed Competitions here.

Themed Competitions open now

Closing date Competition
22 September 2026 Innovation Support to Operations Cycle 8 - UK submissions only
23 September 2026 Project PANOPTES

Open Stage 2 Themed Competitions

These themed competitions are open only to applicants who have been formally invited to submit a Stage 2 proposal.

Closing date Competition
17 September 2026 Novel Autonomy and Robotics - UK submissions only

Defence Innovation Loans

The Defence Innovation Loans cycles are currently paused while we work on a new, improved service.

The loan programme is a key resource for funding later-stage research and development (R&D) and commercialisation of mature defence innovations. 

If you are a high-growth, active innovation business and would like to learn more about the programme while the cycles are closed, please contact the UKDI Help Centre who can provide further detail and introduce you to our Business Growth specialists where appropriate. 

View previous Defence Innovation Loans cycles here.

Market Exploration

Market explorations help us understand what solutions already exist, what’s in development, and where further investment might be needed. We gather information on current market capability in a specific area – this helps us stimulate the market and shape future activity.

Please note that these requests for information do not commit us to launching a formal UKDI competition.

View previous Market Explorations here.

Competitions in our pipeline

We’re always exploring new areas where innovation could make a real difference to defence and security. Below are some of the challenges we’re currently scoping. If one catches your eye, be sure to keep an eye on our website.

Be the first to hear about new competitions, upcoming events and other UKDI news: join the UKDI Mailing List

Expected Launch Overarching Challenge
October 2026 Tactical Power: Seeking innovative solutions to help the Army meet the demand for electricity at the unit tactical level on exercises or operations.
November 2026 Rapid Detection of Toxic Gases: Seeking innovative solutions to detect toxic gases in enclosed or semi-enclosed environments.
November 2026 Generation After Next Electro-Optics: Seeking innovative electro-optic sensor technologies to deliver cutting-edge sensing solutions that will shape future capability and maintain technological advantage
TBC The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP)

UKDI Funding

We publish details of our funding decisions to keep our process open and transparent. View UKDI funding here.

If you have any queries or questions please email: accelerator@dstl.gov.uk

Guidance

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