Defence and Security funding boosting innovation across the UK
Innovation thrives in every region of the United Kingdom. This booklet highlight 12 unique UKDI-DASA funded innovations, one from each region of the UK.
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Innovation thrives in every region of the United Kingdom, from established tech clusters to industrial heartlands, historic urban centers to rural communities. The Defence and Security Accelerator, part of UK Defence Innovation (UKDI-DASA) and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is proud to fund and nurture this nationwide ecosystem of creativity, recognising that breakthrough ideas can emerge anywhere.
This booklet showcases 12 remarkable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) - one from each region of the UK - who are transforming defence and security capabilities through their innovative work. These case studies represent just a fraction of the diverse supplier landscape UKDI-DASA and Dstl supports, demonstrating our commitment to finding and funding the best ideas regardless of geography.
By investing across the breadth of the UK, we ensure defence and security benefit from the unique perspectives, specialised knowledge, and industrial traditions that characterise different regions. This approach doesn’t just deliver better solutions; it strengthens local economies, creates high-skilled jobs, and builds resilient supply chains throughout the nation.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said:
Through our Strategic Defence Review, we are backing brilliant British innovation in every corner of the UK. From advanced satellite systems developed in Oxford to innovative ballistic defensive structures in Scotland, defence funding is helping SMEs bring transformative technologies into service, strengthening both national security and local economies.
This investment is about people as much as it is about the technology. It’s about creating high-skilled jobs, supporting local businesses, and ensuring our Armed Forces personnel have the best tools to keep the nation safe.
I’m proud that we are building a future where British ingenuity leads the way in global defence innovation.
Head of DASA, Anita Friend said
Innovation knows no boundaries, and these case studies demonstrate that breakthrough defence and security solutions are being developed in every corner of the UK. UKDI-DASA is committed to finding and funding the best ideas, wherever they originate.
By investing across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we’re not only delivering cutting-edge capabilities, but also strengthening local economies and building a resilient, nationwide innovation ecosystem.