The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has launched a new Themed Competition seeking proposals that achieve greater self-sufficiency and operational endurance for a deployed force.
Proposals should select one of the seven challenge areas to be addressed through this competition:
- Food – feeding the winning edge
- Water – harvest and recycle water with increasing efficiency
- Materiel – reducing the supply chain burden
- Waste – trash into treasure
- Platform Power & Energy – enduring energy
- Platform Thermal Management – keeping cool for persistent power
- Deployed Power & Energy – energy fuels persistence
Solutions to the above challenges must be technologies (e.g. machinery, equipment, items of subsistence). Non-technologies (ways of working, processes and methods) and supporting technologies (technologies that facilitate other technologies), will only be considered if part of a primary technology proposal.
Awards of between £50,000 and £500,000 are available, with contracts expected to run from November 2024 until December 2025.
Refer to sections four and five of the competition document for further guidance on scope, including what increasing the resilience of deployed forces means in practice and examples of novel ideas to benefit end-users working in UK Defence and Security. Evidence requirements for proposals are covered in section 5.8.
Those interested in applying are also encouraged to contact their local Innovation Partner to discuss sending a one-page expression of interest to confirm whether or not their idea is in scope (this should be sent no less than three weeks before the competition closes).
Key dates and support sessions
Supporting events include a launch webinar (21 May 2024) and a series of bookable one-to-one teleconference sessions (29 May 2024, 4 June 2024, 6 June 2024), giving you the opportunity to ask specific questions. Booking is on a first come first served basis through the above links.
Deadline: 2 July 2024 (midday)