About us
ACE is a Home Office unit that takes a highly innovative approach to solving public sector technology and data challenges.
Who we are
ACE helps government departments address complex challenges using data, technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
ACE focuses on testing what works and makes evidence-based decisions on what to scale, procure or stop.
ACE is delivered through public‑private partnerships with PA Consulting and Plexal. We connect public sector teams with a diverse range of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), larger suppliers and academic experts. Working together, we design, test and refine solutions in real operational settings.
ACE community membership
The ACE community is a selected network of organisations that support our objectives.
To join the community, there is a formal assessment process. Applicants are reviewed against current requirements and priorities.
If you’re interested in learning more, contact ace@homeoffice.gov.uk or community@ace-innovate.team.
ACE takes a strategic approach to community membership, focusing effort where it delivers the greatest value for ACE, existing members and government customers.
What ACE offers
ACE provides:
- fast, structured delivery: most commissions generate tangible outcomes within 12 weeks
- access to suppliers: direct access to a diverse community of SMEs, larger suppliers and academics
- multi-disciplinary delivery teams: teams are selected to match the skills and expertise needed for each commission
- reduced risk for bigger decisions: testing and finding evidence for solutions before committing to more expensive, long-term contracts or wider roll-out
- strong user involvement: solutions are co-designed and tested with users in live or realistic environments
- mission-led challenges: end users are prioritised, making sure solutions are adopted in the real world
Any views, opinions, or statements expressed by community suppliers are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of ACE.
This includes views expressed in connection with ACE activities or on suppliers’ websites, social media channels and other public platforms.
What ACE has done
ACE has:
- worked with more than 50 government departments and public bodies since 2017, supporting missions across security, policing, health, borders and public services
- delivered over 1,000 commissions tackling complex, high-risk challenges where speed, uncertainty and operational impact matter
- delivered around £50 million of outcome-focused work each year, helping departments test ideas, reduce risk and make better decisions about scale
- worked with around 200 suppliers, most of which are SMEs, alongside larger firms and academic partners
- helped government organisations access specialist skills and expertise, often delivering usable evidence and results within weeks rather than years