UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) has launched Cycle 8 of Innovation Support to Operations. The competition, funded by the Ministry of Defence, aims to identify and accelerate innovative technologies like sensors for counter-drone interceptors for scalable manufacture and urgent defence deployment.
UKDI is inviting innovators from across UK industry and academia to submit proposals with a clear route to operational deployment. “Solutions must combine technical excellence with affordability, manufacturability and the ability to scale quickly to get into operational use within 12 months of the end of the project,” UKDI says.
The competition focuses on five challenge areas:
- Counter UAS interceptor sensors
- One-way attack UAS seekers
- Platform survivability
- Telemetry data communications
- Maritime autonomous navigation
Projects are expected to achieve at least Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 within four months and demonstrate performance in representative operational environments. Innovators will also need to show how production could be rapidly increased to meet deployment demands.
Projects are expected to cost no more than GBP 350,000, although proposals up to GBP 1 million (excluding VAT) will be considered.
Applications must be submitted by midday 22 September, 2026. Funding decisions are expected to be communicated in December 2026, with successful projects aiming to start in January 2027.
For more information
Image: UKDI
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