This DASA competition is seeking proposals that can make a real-world difference, fast and at scale.
The UK Government seeks innovative, scalable solutions to enhance military and economic advantages. This competition targets technologies that can be swiftly developed and deployed, leveraging lessons from global events to outpace adversaries. The focus is on practical, manufacturable solutions with operational deployment potential within 12 months.
Key Details
• Total Funding: £2 million across all challenges.
• Per Project: £50k-£200k.
• Submission Deadlines: 10th September, 22nd October, 3rd December 2024.
• The projects will be up to 3-months in length and finish at TRL6. Part of the application will need you to explain how your project can to scaled to be available in an operational environment in a further 12-months.
Scope: Areas of Interest
1. Complex Manufacture of Materiel: Innovations in manufacturing processes for defence materials.
2. Autonomous System Navigation: Enabling basic autonomy in vehicles and UAS, especially in GNSS-denied environments.
3. Wide-area Sense and Detect: Cost-effective, wide-area detection systems with low interception probability.
4. Minefield Breaching: Rapid, innovative minefield clearance solutions.
Proposals must include detailed plans for scaling and manufacturing, ensuring robust supply chains. Eligibility is limited to UK-registered businesses with project development activities based in the UK.
Competition Challenges: Detailed Overview
1. Challenge 1: Novel and Enhanced Scale Complex Manufacture of Materiel
o Focus on improving technology or production methods in areas such as energetics, warhead fills, artillery propellants, and more.
o Innovations should aim to increase capability, reduce costs, or extend the lifespan of materials.
o Proposals can include new processes or redesigns for mass manufacturing, targeting reduced unit costs and simpler production techniques.
2. Challenge 2: Autonomous System Navigation and Applique Options
o Development of systems to autonomously navigate legacy ground vehicles in GNSS-denied environments.
o Innovations in UAS navigation, capable of determining position with high accuracy in challenging conditions.
o The challenge does not seek new UAS platforms but requires innovators to provide demonstration platforms for their navigation solutions.
3. Challenge 3: Wide-area Sense and Detect
o Seeking reduced cost, low-intercept probability systems for detecting threats like adversary RF emitters and ISR assets.
o The solution should be self-contained, easy to use, and minimally impactful on the user’s operational burden.
o Emphasis on delivering new, accurate data rather than integrating or analyzing existing data.
4. Challenge 4: Innovative Solutions for Minefield Breaching
o Developing methods to quickly and safely breach extensive, heavily protected minefields.
o Solutions may involve mechanical, explosive, or hybrid techniques to create safe lanes for follow-on forces.
o Proposals should consider ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to withstand adversarial conditions.
Eligibility and Submission
UK businesses registered at Companies House, with UK ownership and operations, are eligible to apply. Proposals must demonstrate the scalability of the innovation and a clear path to operational deployment within a year. Robust supply chain plans and mitigation strategies for dependencies are crucial.
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