UK Defence Innovation competition opens opportunities for NETPark’s defence and space community
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
NETPark businesses and researchers working in defence, space and deep technology sectors may be interested in a new UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) competition designed to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative technologies for operational use.
Innovation Support to Operations Cycle 8 is seeking solutions across five challenge areas:
Counter UAS interceptor sensors
One-way attack UAS seekers
Platform survivability
Telemetry data
Maritime autonomous navigation
The competition is open to UK-registered businesses, sole traders and academic institutions. UKDI is looking for technologies with a clear route to manufacture, scale and deployment, with projects expected to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 within four months.
Projects are expected to cost no more than £350,000, although proposals up to £1 million (excluding VAT) will be considered. Applications close at 12 noon (BST) on 22 September 2026.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to organisations developing sensing technologies, autonomous systems, advanced electronics, data technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
