Challenge summary
Experts can apply to take part in a two-day interactive sandpit event focused on discreet wearable technologies for use in national security and defence.
This challenge examines the latest research into the wearing of inconspicuous technology – looking at factors such as materials, fabrics, clothing design or other solutions. These wearable devices should be comfortable, flexible and able to help the wearer move freely without interrupting the technology itself.
The latest challenge from HMGCC Co-Creation is looking for applicants from relevant industries which could be as broad as fashion and theatre, electronics, mechanical engineering, materials, behavioural science, user centric design – among others.
Context
Wearable technology for the consumer has shown large market growth in recent years, largely dominated by smart watches. There has also been significant investment in next generation wearables, where cabling, energy storage and useable devices are further embedded into garments, enabling greater usability while also increased ergonomics and comfort.
As there is a potential consumer market in fields such as sportswear and the medical sector, there is also a specialised national security and defence market, utilising similar underpinning technology but where different capabilities may be required.
Technology themes
Behavioural and social sciences, electronic engineering, energy storage, engineering design consultancy, healthcare manufacturing, materials science and engineering, systems engineering, wearable technologies.
A briefing call will be held on Tuesday 9 December 2025 at 10am. Click here to register for the briefing call. (Please note: Recording or use of AI notetakers is not permitted.)
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As described by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), a sandpit is an intensive, inclusive, interactive and creative environment, supporting a diverse group of participants from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.
We recognise the value in enabling collaboration across disciplines which may not usually come together to address the challenges being tackled. The unique opportunity provided by this sandpit will be that attendees will have access to government stakeholders, to drive the research towards real-world scenarios.
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This challenge is open to sole innovators, industry, academic and research organisations of all types and sizes. There is no requirement for security clearances.
Solution providers or direct collaboration from countries listed by the UK government under trade sanctions and/or arms embargoes, are not eligible for HMGCC Co- Creation challenges.
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- Competition opens: Monday 1 December 2025
- Teams briefing call (Please note that recording or use of AI notetakers is not permitted): Tuesday 9 December 2025 10:00 until 11:00. Click here to register for the call.
- Clarifying questions deadline: Friday 12 December 2025
- Clarifying questions published: Tuesday 16 December 2025
- Competition closes: Thursday 15 January 2026
- Applicants notified: Thursday 22 January 2026
- Sandpit event: Tuesday 10 February 2026 to Wednesday 11 February 2026 in Milton Keynes
- Pitch Day online: Thursday 26 February 2026
- Pitch Day outcome: Monday 2 March 2026
- Commercial onboarding begins: Friday 6 March 2026
The successful solution provider will be expected to have availability for a one-hour onboarding call via MS Teams on the date specified to begin the onboarding/contractual process. - Target project kick-off: March 2026
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Clarifying questions or general requests for assistance can be submitted directly to Co-Creation@dstl.gov.uk and cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk before the deadline with the challenge title as the subject. These clarifying questions may be technical, procedural, or commercial in subject, or anything else where assistance is required.
Please note that answered questions will be published to facilitate a fair and open competition.