The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is a UK government body under the Ministry of Defence (MOD) that provides funding for innovative projects aimed at addressing security and defence challenges.
DASA funding supports research and development (R&D) from both the public and private sectors, including academia. It welcomes ideas from innovators small and large, providing support to those who have not previously worked with Government.
DASA has a wide remit across all of defence and security, including all fields of science and technology, better ways of working, better services, or any innovation that could help the MOD, Home Office, Department for Transport and other parts of Government.
DASA FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
DASA offers two types of funding opportunities:
- Themed Competitions: These are specific calls that target certain problems or needs within the defence or security sectors. DASA works with the MOD or other security agencies to define these challenges, and innovators are invited to submit proposals that solve these issues.
- Open Calls for Innovation: These allow applicants to submit ideas across a wide range of defence and security areas. The submissions are not tied to specific problems but should demonstrate the potential to improve defence or security.
The DASA funding opportunities webpage also displays a list of potential upcoming challenge areas and expected launch dates.
Hear about new competitions, upcoming events and other DASA news by joining the DASA Mailing List.
TIPS FOR APPLICANTS
- Align your proposal with a specific defence or security challenge (view current DASA strategy below).
- If your innovation is unconventional or represents a novel approach, this could increase its appeal.
- DASA values interdisciplinary teams and collaborations that can demonstrate technical expertise alongside understanding of their defence/security application.
- Clearly outline the anticipated short- and long-term impact of your innovation. This includes quantifying potential improvements to defence/security capabilities.
- Highlight any potential applications beyond defence and security, such as in the commercial sector.
- Prepare your project to deliver meaningful results in the first phase, in case you don’t receive follow-on funding.
- Engage with the DASA team to clarify expectations and ensure that your proposal is a good fit. If you’re interested in working with DASA, wonder if your idea may be relevant, want to discuss a specific competition, or need guidance on how to submit a proposal, you are encouraged to speak to your local DASA Innovation Partner.
- Don’t be discouraged by failure to secure funding at the first attempt – refining your concept based on DASA’s feedback can lead to future success (many successful projects are the result of revised proposals after an initial rejection).
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Visit the DASA homepage for further information, including a collection of DASA Innovation Case Studies – examples include:
- Defying drones: DASA funded anti-drone sensor is purchased by the Royal Navy
- Whole-body training model helps trauma teams sharpen their skills
- DASA funding helps drive ethical artificial intelligence community safeguarding application
View the current DASA strategy below.