UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) has launched Phase 3 (Cycle 7) of Innovation Support to Operations - looking for tech that can be developed fast and scaled at pace.
- UKDI has launched Phase 3 (Cycle 7) of Innovation Support to Operations
- Funded by the Ministry of Defence
- Cycle 7 closes on 12 May 2026 at 12:00 Midday (BST)
This competition is seeking cost competitive, innovative solutions across seven new challenge areas. Proposals are expected to request up to £350,000 (excluding VAT). Proposals must not exceed £1,000,000 (excluding VAT) and several proposals may be funded.
Our aim is simple: deliver useful technology into service faster than our adversaries.
What the competition is seeking:
UKDI is looking for solutions that can be demonstrated quickly, manufactured at scale, and delivered within around 12 months. Projects must reach Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6) within six months.
The seven challenge areas are:
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Counter‑UAS interceptor sensors:
Sensor solutions for high‑speed counter‑UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) interceptors engaging targets at combined closing speeds of up to Mach 1.
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One‑way attack UAS seeker:
Novel, passive seeker solutions that are resilient to countermeasures for sub‑300kph one‑way attack uncrewed aerial systems.
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UAS survivability:
Passive survivability solutions, including radar‑absorbent materials and multi‑spectral decoys.
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UAS navigation:
Autonomous navigation systems that operate without Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), achieving at least 50‑metre positional accuracy.
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Telemetry data:
Low‑probability‑of‑detection, jam‑resistant ways to obtain telemetry data over distances of at least 300km.
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Maritime autonomous navigation:
Navigation solutions for unmanned surface vessels operating at up to 60 knots without GNSS.
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Maritime terminal guidance:
Automated terminal guidance for unmanned surface vessels using existing onboard hardware.
What makes a strong proposal
UKDI is looking for proposals that:
- demonstrate value for money and competitive unit pricing
- propose innovative or creative technical approaches
- show a credible route to achieving at least TRL 6 within the project duration
- outline how the technology could transition beyond the competition
What UKDI will not fund
This competition will not support:
- paper based studies or literature reviews
- unmodified resubmissions of previous UKDI or DASA bids
- off the shelf solutions without experimental development
- platforms themselves (e.g. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) or Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)
- proposals unable to achieve at least TRL 6 within the project timeframe
Key dates:
- Submission deadline: 12 May 2026 12:00 midday (BST)
- Projects start: September 2026
- Project length: Six months or less
- Feedback released: August 2026
How to get involved?
Innovators with solutions that could address these challenge areas are encouraged to engage early with their local UKDI Innovation Partner . You can start that conversation by submitting a Contact UKDI Form on the Contact a UKDI Innovation Partner page.
To apply, review the full competition document and submit your proposal via the UKDI Online Submission Service by 12 May 2026.
