Space to Innovate: Delta Drop
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) and Dstl are seeking proposals that can aid UK government to develop future space technologies of benefit across multiple HMG uses.
Documents
Details

This UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) competition is run on behalf of the UK Space Agency (UKSA) and Dstl. We are looking for innovative solutions that can address the challenge areas described in the document.
In this competition we will be running a two-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.
Competition key information
| Key Information | Competition Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 submission deadline | 12:00 Midday on 28 July 2026 (BST) |
| Stage 1 decision release | 12:00 Midday 04 August 2026 (BST) |
| Stage 2 open (by invitation) | 12:00 Midday 04 August 2026 (BST) |
| Stage 2 submission deadline | 12:00 Midday on 01 September 2026 (BST) |
| Total funding available | £985k. |
| Technology Readiness Level (TRL) | Expected to achieve TRL 3 to TRL 6. |
| Contract start month | Aim to start late November or early December |
| Project duration | Equal to or less than 18 months. |
| Risk Assessment Reference | RAR-TUVW7RN |
| Feedback release date | 04 November 2026 |
| Pre-sift criteria | See Section “Pre-sift Criteria” |
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.
Updates to this page
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Changed all refs from UKSA to UK Space Agency
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First published.