Electro Optic Sensing Technologies
The Electro Optic Sensing (EOS) project seek proposals to enhance defence’s Electro-Optic Infrared (EOIR) ability to operate in contested, degraded environments
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Introduction
This UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) competition is run on behalf of the Electro Optic Sensing (EOS) project. It is seeking proposals that enhance defence’s Electro-Optic Infrared (EOIR) capability to operate in contested, degraded environments.
We are looking for innovative solutions that could be demonstrated in a relevant environment within 12 to 24 months that address the following challenge areas:
- Infrared active imaging
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Detection and characterisation of laser sources on the battlefield and technologies to counter electromagnetic jamming
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Cost effective wide area day and night sensing through challenging environments
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Detection and ID of dim and distant targets in cluttered environments
- Underwater environmental sensing and technologies for imaging through turbid media
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Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) for 3D LiDAR data
- Machine learning methods for Hyperspectral Imaging
- Low SWaP-C Hyperspectral sensors for tactical platforms
- High resolution imaging through aperture synthesis
In this competition we will be running a two-stage process. This approach helps innovators quickly understand whether their idea is a good fit for the competition, saving time and effort when applying. The table below summarises the differences and expectations of the 2 stages.
| STAGE | PURPOSE | EXPECTED CONTENT |
|---|---|---|
| Submission Stage 1 | Initial innovation screening | Idea overview with outline technical plan |
| Submission Stage 2 | Full detailed proposal review (by invitation only) | Detailed proposal with full technical description, detailed project plan and finance breakdown |
All Stage 1 submissions will be carefully reviewed by the Electro Optic Sensing competition team. They will look for ideas that align well with the competition, demonstrate a strong chance of successful delivery, and meet the customer’s needs. Submissions that demonstrate a good fit will be invited to progress to Stage 2 to submit a full proposal. The abstract and title should match the Stage 1 proposal, or at a minimum continue to represent the same proposed project that was submitted at Stage 1.
Competition key information
| Key Information | Competition Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 submission deadline | 12:00 Midday on 9 December 2026 (GMT) |
| Stage 1 decision release | 12:00 Midday on 16 December 2026 (GMT) |
| Stage 2 open (by invitation) | 12:00 Midday on 6 January 2027 (GMT) |
| Stage 2 submission deadline | 12:00 Midday on 23 February 2027 (GMT) |
| Total funding available | £2.8 million (excluding VAT). 5 to7 proposals are expected to be funded. |
| Individual proposal cost limit must not exceed £600k | |
| Technology Readiness Level (TRL) | Projects must complete between TRL 3-6, and progress through at least one TRL during the project duration |
| Contract start month | Aim to start May 2027 |
| Project duration | between to 12 months or less than 24 months |
| Risk Assessment Reference | RAR-XXXXXXXX |
| Stage 2 feedback release date | 30 Apr 2027 |
| Stage 1 and 2 pre-sift criteria | See Section X Pre-sift Criteria |
Competition Specific Requirements
Please note that this competition has specific requirements as part of its pre-sift criteria for both Stage 1 and Stage 2. Only those proposals submitted that demonstrate compliance with the UKDI pre-sift criteria at each stage will be taken forward to full review at Stage 1 and assessment at Stage 2.
For the full list of criteria, please see the pre-sift criteria section below.
UK Only Eligibility
To be eligible to submit a proposal into this competition you must be a UK registered business listed at Companies House, a sole trader, or an academic institution in the UK and intend to undertake the project work in the UK. Your organisation does not need to be UK-owned. Additional guidance for international innovators can be found here. Please read this guidance before contacting UKDI.
Where do I submit my proposal?
Both Stage 1 and Stage 2 forms are to be submitted via the UKDI Online Submission Service where you will need to register for an account. Only proposals submitted through the UKDI Online Submission Service will be accepted.
Innovators are strongly advised to submit their proposal at least one hour before the deadline. Proposals submitted close to the deadline risk encountering issues that cannot be resolved in time.
Responsibility for timely submission rests entirely with the innovator, no extensions will be made. If you are having problems submitting your proposal, email us prior to the deadline on accelerator@dstl.gov.uk or call 01980 950000 option 3 Monday to Friday 0900-1200 only).
Public facing information
When submitting your Stage 1 and 2 proposals, you will be required to include a title, Proposal Value Proposition Statement (PVPS) and a short abstract. The title, PVPS and abstract you provide will be used by UKDI, and Partners Across Government (PAG), to describe your project and its intended outcomes and benefits. They may be included at UKDI events in relation to this competition and in documentation such as brochures. As this information can be shared, it should not contain information that may compromise Intellectual Property.
The abstract and title should match the Stage 1 proposal, or at a minimum continue to represent the same proposed project that was submitted at Stage 1, this is a pre-sift requirement.