UKDI Competitions and 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 |
|---|---|
| 10 February 2026 | Autonomous Sensor Management and Sensor Counter Deception Phase 2 |
| 24 March 2026 | Conflict Wounds - from Biology to Battlefield Solutions |
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 |
|---|---|
| 24 March 2026 | Defence Innovation Loans FY25/26 Cycle 7 |
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.
There are currently no Market Explorations open for submission.
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.
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| Expected Launch | Overarching Challenge |
|---|---|
| February 2026 | A Themed Competition on behalf of the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) seeks the development of technologies as a last line of defence to counter the illegal use of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) around prisons, with a focus on scalable and operationally viable solutions |
| March 2026 | A Themed Competition to support in-theatre donation and transfusion of blood using rapid, accurate, low burden ‘point of care’ blood testing |
| April 2026 | A Themed Competition for the measurement of ground bearing capacity, at user specified locations, beyond visual line of site of the operator |
| 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