Novel Autonomy and Robotics (Phase 1)
A new UKDI competition to develop early-stage disruptive science and technology for future game-changing advances in Defence robotics and autonomous systems.
Documents
Details
This UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) competition is run on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)’s Autonomy Programme Incubator project. It seeks proposals that develop early-stage novel and disruptive science and technology (S&T) that may give rise to future game-changing advances in Defence robotics and autonomous systems. The aim is to find cutting-edge low-technology readiness level (TRL) S&T ideas that may be matured to support military use of autonomous systems across land, sea and air environments.
In this competition we will be running a 2-stage process. UKDI has introduced this 2-stage submission process to help innovators understand early on, and with reduced effort, if their idea is appropriate for the competition and to make the review and decision-making process more efficient. The table below summarises the differences and expectations of the 2 stages.
Competition key information
| Key Information | Competition Details |
|---|---|
| Submission Stage 1 deadline | 12:00 Midday on 11 August 2026 (BST) |
| Submission Stage 1 decision release | 18 August 2026 |
| Submission Stage 2 open (by invitation) | 12:00 Midday 18 August 2026 (BST) |
| Submission Stage 2 deadline | 12:00 Midday on 15 September 2026 (BST) |
| Total funding available | Project Phase 1 - £600,000 (excluding VAT). Maximum proposal value is £60,000. Estimated funding for Project Phase 2 is £600,000 |
| Technology Readiness Level (TRL) | Starting at TRL 1 or 2, You must move through at least one TRL level during the project |
| Contract start month | Aim to start November 2026 |
| Project duration | Equal to or less than 3 months |
| Risk Assessment Reference | RAR-SLWSHVL; Level 1 |
| Feedback release date | 31 October 2026 |
| Pre-sift criteria | See Section 9 Pre-sift Criteria |
Where do I submit my proposal?
Both Stage 1 and Stage 2 proposals are to be submitted via the UKDI Online Submission Service where you will need to register for an account if you don’t already have one. 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 specified deadline. Proposals submitted close to the deadline risk encountering issues that cannot be resolved in time.