UKDI Competition Services
To accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge innovative capabilities so that the United Kingdom is both secure at home and strong abroad.
Open Call for Innovation
Do you have an idea that could change defence and security – even if no one’s asked for it yet? The Open Call for Innovation is your route in.
We’re looking 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.
As work continues towards UKDI Full Operating Capability the Open Call for Innovation is now closed. The new service will reopen prior to UKDI Full Operating Capability in July 2026.
Please keep an eye on our website and join our mailing list here to receive updates as soon as they become available.
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 | Themed Competition Title |
|---|---|
| 12 May 2026 | Innovation Support to Operations Phase 3 (Cycle 7) |
| 2 June 2026 | Rapid transfusion diagnostics: optimising safety on deployed operations |
Defence Innovation Loans
Defence Innovation Loans help UK-registered small and medium enterprises (SMEs) develop mature innovations into viable business propositions. If you’re an SME with a solution to a defence challenge, you can apply for a loan to take your idea further.
We will let you know the initial outcome within seven weeks of each cycle’s closing date (excluding weekends and public holidays).
Defence Innovation Loans open for application
| Closing Date | Competition Title |
|---|---|
| 19 May 2026 | Defence Innovation Loans FY26/27 Cycle 1 |
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.
| Closing Date | Competition Title |
|---|---|
| 21 April 2026 | Countering Fibre Optic Uncrewed Aerial Systems |
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 |
|---|---|
| April 2026 | A themed competition for the measurement of ground bearing capacity and other river characteristics above and below water. The aspiration is for integrated systems that can operate beyond line of sight. |
| April 2026 | A cross government themed competition and innovation forum to stimulate new solutions and foster an alliance between innovative life sciences, biotech, AI, security companies and government stakeholders addressing critical biological security needs. If you are an interested innovator, please sign up to this in-person event. |
| 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
Updates to this page
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Countering Illegal Use of UAS Around Prisons and Sensitive Sites, now closed. Links have been removed from themed competition list.
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Countering Fibre Optic Uncrewed Aerial Systems Market Engagement added to page
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Event sign up link added to pipeline description for critical biological security innovation forum.
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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).
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Edits to reflect that the themed competition, Rapid Transfusion Diagnostics: optimising safety on deployed operations, has opened.
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Innovation Support to Operations Phase 3 (Cycle 7) added to Themed Competitions open now.
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Changed title from UKDI Competitions and Services to UKDI Competition Services.
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Removed Autonomous Sensors and Sensor Management Phase 2
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Added a new competition to the pipeline page
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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.
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First published.