Security & Defence

The UK is committed to spending a minimum 2% of GDP on defence over the next decade, and at least 20% of that spending on equipment. This commitment represents spending some £186bn on defence equipment and support in the 10 years from 2018/19. The UK is also the second largest defence exporter, winning defence orders worth £14bn in 2018.

To maintain the safety and security of both the public and visitors to the UK, police, intelligence agencies and the private security sector is supported by a vibrant UK SME security sector which is a global leader in a wide range of products and services who supported the export of over £5.2m goods and services (2018). Globally, the security market – cyber security included – exhibits continued growth and is projected to reach £150bn by 2022.

There are many innovative solutions developed for, and applicable to the defence and security sectors. Our team can help you navigate this landscape by signposting funding opportunities, offering advice, providing guidance and introducing beneficial connections.

Companies developing products, services or innovation that are applicable to defence or security sectors and work in areas like cIoT, Data science/AI/ML, Forensics, Detection and screening technologies, Cryptography, Synthetic biology and chemistry, Radiological and nuclear, UAV/drones, sensors, behavioural science, human enhancement, energy storage, advanced materials and electronics, space and Earth Observation, surveillance and intelligence, logistics, command and control.

Click here to see open funding opportunities in the security & defence sector.

Click here to see funding competitions and open calls from DASA (the UK government’s Defence and Security Accelerator).

Our current focus in this area

The National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) definition of cyber security’s core function is to protect the devices we all use, and the services we access from theft or damage and preventing unauthorised access to personal information we store on these devices, and online.

What makes our modern lives relatively easy, interconnected and seamless is this seldom thought of, but very vital soft infrastructure – the electromagnetic spectrum.

Related Opportunities

DASA and Atomic Weapons Establishment challenges: Advanced Electronics and Electromechanical Devices

Opens: 14/10/2024   Closes: 10/12/2024

DASA, in conjunction with AWE, is seeking innovative ideas to approach four challenge areas in electronics.

More Information

Contracts for Innovation: Ending Violence Against Women & Girls

Opens: 09/10/2024   Closes: 04/11/2024

Two NI-based challenges: making spaces safer through design and technology, and addressing violence through data and tech innovations.

More Information

HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: NCA seeks emulated phone technology to help combat crime

Opens: 10/10/2024   Closes: 07/11/2024

The National Crime Agency (NCA) seeks emulated phone technology for alias-based communications. HMGCC Co-Creation invites organisations with mid to high Technical Readiness Level (TRL) solutions to support the NCA’s national and international operations in its latest challenge.

More Information

HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Cutting eavesdropping risks using AI

Opens: 10/10/2024   Closes: 07/11/2024

UK government offices face risks of eavesdropping, requiring constant assessment due to rapid technological changes. HMGCC Co-Creation seeks AI/ML innovations in advanced noise cancellation to explore current possibilities and test them in government office settings.

More Information

NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme

Opens: 07/10/2024   Closes: 15/11/2024

Total funding €500,000, supporting science and technology projects that contribute to global security and scientific advancement.

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HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: AI / Novel Technology Red Agent Penetration Testing

Opens: 17/10/2024   Closes: 21/11/2024

A challenge to further the security community’s understanding of AI or any novel technologies that have the capacity to penetration test secure IT environments.

More Information

Related Events and Recordings

Wed
2
Mar
2022

The Future of Computing for Defence

10.00 - 16.00 | Online

Watch Now
Thu
16
May
2024

European Quantum Technologies CR&D competition briefing event

10.00 - 11.00 | Online

Watch now
See all events

Our Experts

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For general enquiries regarding our Security & Defence sector contact us now

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