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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/competition-document-ukdi-security-open-call-2026-cycle-2/competition-document-security-open-call-2026-cycle-2
1. Introduction
The Security Open Call is one of the funding competition mechanisms UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) uses to find proposals that address security challenges faced by government stakeholders.
It seeks proposals for innovations from UK industry and academia which can have realistic impact across the UK security landscape in line with one of the Competition Focus Areas.
In this multi-cycle competition, we will run a 2-stage process within each cycle. This approach helps innovators quickly understand whether their idea is a good fit for the competition, saving time and effort when applying. It also enables a more efficient assessment process. The table below summarises the differences and expectations of the 2 stages.
| STAGE | PURPOSE | EXPECTED CONTENT |
|---|---|---|
| Submission Stage 1 | Facilitates initial innovation review | Idea overview covering strategic fit, idea compatibility, expected TRL, exploitation potential, project scope and timeline (900 words maximum) |
| Submission Stage 2 | Enables full detailed proposal assessment (by invitation only) | Detailed proposal with full technical description, detailed project plan and finance breakdown (approx. 9000 words) |
All Stage 1 submissions will be carefully reviewed by UKDI and relevant Partners Across Government. They will look for ideas that align well with the Competition Focus Areas, demonstrate a strong chance of successful delivery, and meet the stakeholders’ needs. Submissions that demonstrate a good fit will be invited to progress to Stage 2 and submit a full proposal. If you are not invited to submit a full Stage 2 submission, you will receive a statement of outcome. No feedback will be provided.
Please note that a maximum of three Stage 1 proposals will be permitted under this competition, please read this guidance for further information.
2. Competition key information
| Key Information | Competition Details |
|---|---|
| Technology Readiness Level (TRL) | Ending at TRL 6-7 dependant on the Testing and Trialling Option |
| Contract start month | Aim to start 8 weeks after Stage 2 decision release |
| Project duration | Equal to or less than 12 months (6 months if Testing and Trialling-only, 18 months if Testing and Trialling Option included) |
| Pre-sift criteria | See Section 12 Pre-sift Criteria |
| Funded Focus Area(s) | Home Office, NPSA, Department for Transport |
2.1 Schedule
| Security Open Call Cycle 2 Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 Open | 12:00 Midday on 1st October 2026 (BST) |
| Stage 1 Close | 12:00 Midday on 29th October 2026 (GMT) |
| Stage 1 Outcome release | 30th November 2026 |
| Stage 2 Open (by invitation only) | 12:00 Midday on 1st December 2026 (GMT) |
| Stage 2 Close | 12:00 Midday on 28th January 2027 (GMT) |
| Stage 2 Decision release | 11th March 2027 |
| Stage 2 Feedback release | 25th March 2027 |
2.2 Competition Specific Requirements
Please note that this competition has specific requirements as part of its pre-sift criteria for both Stage 1 and Stage 2; only those proposals submitted that demonstrate compliance with the UKDI pre-sift criteria at each stage will be taken forward to full review at Stage 1 and assessment at Stage 2.
For the full list of criteria, please see Section 12.
2.3 Where do I submit my proposal?
Both Stage 1 and Stage 2 proposals are to be submitted via the UKDI Online Submission Service where you will need to register for an account if you don’t already have one. Only proposals submitted through the UKDI Online Submission Service will be accepted.
For Stage 1 submissions select UKDI Stage 1 Submission in the service category then select the Security Open Call - 2026 - Cycle 2 - Stage 1 option and for Stage 2 submissions select UKDI Open Call in the service category then select the stage 2 option you have been invited into.
Innovators are strongly advised to submit their proposal at least one hour before the specified deadline. Proposals submitted close to the deadline risk encountering issues that cannot be resolved in time.
Responsibility for timely submission rests entirely with the innovator, no deadline extensions will be granted. If you are having problems submitting your proposal, email us prior to the deadline on accelerator@dstl.gov.uk or call 01980 950000 option 3 Monday to Friday 0900-1200 only).
3. Public facing information
3.1 Submission Stage 1
UKDI will not use any information provided in Stage 1 for any purpose other than reviewing the content in line with the Stage 1 review process.
3.2 Submission Stage 2
When submitting your Stage 2 proposal, you will be required to include a title, Proposal Value Proposition Statement (PVPS) and a short abstract. The title, PVPS and abstract you provide describe your project and will be used by UKDI, and Partners Across Government, to consider its intended outcomes and benefits.
If successfully funded, the PVPS and abstract may be utilised by UKDI in communication material relating to this competition such as event brochures. As this information may be shared, it should not contain information that may compromise Intellectual Property.
3.3 Further guidance
For further guidance on what to expect during the submission process and how your proposal will be assessed, please see the following GOV.UK pages and forms:
- Submit a proposal
- Assessment process and criteria
- UKDI: ethical, legal and regulatory guidance
- MODREC Guidance for Suppliers
- UKDI contracting guidance
- Competition Terms and Conditions
- Cyber Security Model
- How to work with UKDI
4. Available Support
During the competition phase all correspondence must be via the UKDI Points of Contact detailed below.
While all reasonable efforts will be made to answer queries, UKDI reserves the right to impose management controls if volume of queries restrict fair access of information to all potential innovators.
4.1 UKDI Innovation Partner
UKDI has a team of locally based Innovation Partners who provide dedicated guidance to innovators based in the UK to support UK innovation and strengthen the domestic defence and security industrial base. It is strongly recommended that you discuss your idea with a UKDI Innovation Partner before submitting a proposal to this competition.
You can initiate this through the submission of an Innovation Outline through the UKDI Online Submission Service. Select “UKDI Innovation Outline” and then “Innovation Outline: Security Open Call - 2026 - Cycle 2”. Please note this is not your Stage 1 submission - Submitting an Innovation Outline does not constitute an application to this competition.
4.2 UKDI Help Centre
Competition queries including on process, application, commercial, technical and intellectual property aspects should be sent to the UKDI Help Centre at accelerator@dstl.gov.uk, quoting the competition title: Security Open Call - 2026 - Cycle 2.
UKDI cannot guarantee a response before the submission deadline if the query is received within two weeks of the Stage 1 submission deadline or within three weeks of the Stage 2 submission deadline. This applies to both Innovation Partners and Help Centre.
5. Competition scope
5.1 Background
The Security Open Call is seeking innovative ideas that address security challenges identified within the specific stakeholder Competition Focus Areas. The competition aims to strengthen UK security while supporting growth and prosperity across the UK.
To illustrate how the Security Open Call provides benefit to both suppliers and end users, below are case studies of previously funded UKDI Security Open Call projects. These examples are provided for information only and should not be taken as an indication of the specific areas of interest for this competition.
- Trilateral DASA funding helps drive ethical artificial intelligence community safeguarding application from proof of concept to product launch
- Createc Crowd watch: DASA funded AI and LiDAR innovation helps enhance crowd safety
Details on funding awarded through previous competitions can be found in our transparency data.
5.2 Scope
Innovators may submit proposals into the Security Open Call which address any of the Competition Focus Areas outlined below, and meet the following overarching requirements:
- Funded projects are expected to deliver a technology model or prototype demonstration at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or 7. This demonstration should be at a limited scale and in the context or environment in which it is expected that the solution would be used. The project should include all of the activities that are required to provide this limited demonstration, including research and development and/or testing and trialling.
- Your project should have a realistic prospect of achieving an impact within a 2-year time frame from the completion of the project. The impact could be realised in a number of ways. For example, this could be through operational deployment of the developed idea, entry of the idea into the security sector supply chain (directly or through partners), the idea informing future procurement, equipment programme options, or by informing policy choices. Ideas that would have little or no impact within 2 years of the contract concluding are unlikely to be funded.
- To be eligible to submit a proposal to this competition, you must be a UK organisation registered with Companies House, a sole trader, or an academic institution based in the UK, and intend to undertake the project work in the UK. Your organisation does not need to be UK-owned. Additional guidance for international innovators can be found here. Please read this guidance before contacting UKDI.
5.3 Testing and Trialling
Projects may include an optional, separately priced Testing and Trialling phase to take a project from TRL 6 to 7. Alternatively, proposals may consist solely of a Testing and Trialling phase for ideas already at TRL 6.
The purpose of Testing and Trialling is to enable innovators to gather evidence from an operational environment, further refine their innovation, and assess its suitability for end-user needs.
If you are including a Testing and Trialling phase as a separate option alongside a wider project, this should be included as follows:
Stage 1 submission
The TRL of the complete project post Testing and Trialling Option, and full duration of both the initial project and the separate Testing and Trialling option should be stated. Ensure your Testing and Trialling activity is summarised within the proposal.
Stage 2 submission
This should be described within the ‘Testing and Trialling’ section of your Stage 2 proposal and should include:
- Objectives and scope of the activity
- Timescales and key milestones
- Expected deliverables
- Total cost of the Testing and Trialling phase
Applicants should include all associated costs, such as travel and subsistence, and any charges incurred through the use of third-party sites or facilities (for example, airports, national infrastructure, or publicly accessible locations).
Testing and Trialling costs should be provided only within the ‘Testing and Trialling’ section of the Stage 2 proposal and should not be included in the ‘Finance’ or ‘Delivery Schedule’ sections.
Where a Testing and Trialling phase is proposed, contracts will include an option that allows UKDI to fund this additional phase following successful completion of the main project. UKDI is under no obligation to exercise this option. The decision to proceed will be based on the outcomes of the development and demonstration activities, and UKDI may decide not to fund the Testing and Trialling phase if the project does not demonstrate sufficient progress or evidence of success.
If your proposal consists solely of a Testing and Trialling phase, you should not complete the ‘Testing and Trialling’ section of the Stage 2 proposal. Instead, complete all other sections of the application form as if the Testing and Trialling activity is the main project, including details of the work, costs, deliverables and timetable.
If you do not wish to include a Testing and Trialling phase, please enter ‘N/A’ in the Testing and Trialling section of your submission.
The following table gives an overview of the different project options available within this competition.
5.4 Overarching Requirement Summary
| Project Type | Maximum Duration | Starting TRL | Completion TRL | Maximum Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project without a Testing and Trialling option | 12 months | No minimum | TRL 6 | £350,000 | Must not exceed 12 months. |
| Project with a Testing and Trialling option | 18 months | No minimum | TRL 6 (main project), TRL 7 (with option) | £350,000 (including the Option Cost) | The main project must deliver at TRL 6; the optional Testing and Trialling phase advances the project to TRL 7. |
| Testing and Trialling-only project | 6 months | TRL 6 | TRL 7 | £150,000 | Must start at TRL 6 and achieve TRL 7 on completion. |
Please note there is no minimum project value. Applicants should ensure that proposed costs are proportionate to the scope, duration and complexity of the work being undertaken. Proposals that demonstrate value for money will be viewed favourably.
Proposals will only be funded if there is an alignment to a Competition Focus Area and strong evidence of capability need for the idea.
6. Competition Focus Areas
This competition has the following Challenge Focus Areas open:
- Home Office Focus Area
- National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) Focus Area
- Department for Transport (DfT) Focus Area
If your proposal is relevant to more than one Competition Focus Area, submit a separate Stage 1 proposal for each of them. This allows you to use the full word count to explain how your idea aligns with the specific Challenge Areas under the relevant Competition Focus Area.
Please note there are limitations of numbers of Stage 1 proposals that can be submitted per cycle. Please ensure you read this guidance before submitting.
6.1 Home Office Focus Area
6.2 Background
The Home Office plays a fundamental role in safeguarding the UK’s security and economic prosperity. The Home Office is the lead government department for immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime, counter-terrorism and police.
We welcome proposals that align to priority operational need and demonstrate the potential to deliver tangible improvements in security, efficiency and public safety outcomes. These are articulated through the Challenge Areas summarised below.
We are particularly interested in proposals that can demonstrate a clear pathway to operational impact and support measurable improvements in security outcomes for the UK.
6.3 Challenge Areas
Areas of interest include:
- Enhancing secure information sharing and collaboration across policing, government and partner organisations.
- Developing new approaches to detect, prevent and respond to online harms and technology-enabled crime.
- Strengthening the UK’s ability to maintain security and resilience in an evolving technological and threat landscape.
- Improving responses to cyber, hybrid and other high-impact threats through innovative technologies and operational approaches.
- Increasing the effectiveness of efforts to detect, disrupt and deter organised immigration crime.
6.4 Challenge Area detail
Full detail of Challenge Areas can be viewed here.
6.5 NPSA Focus Area
6.6 Background
NPSA is the National Technical Authority (NTA) for physical and people / personnel protective security. A key part of NPSA’s role is to stay ahead of national security threats (terrorism and state threats), and ensure that proportionate, practical, and affordable mitigations are available to a wide variety of public and private sector users.
Whilst NPSA concentrates on testing and evaluating the latest protective security products to reach the market to inform our guidance on their performance, use-cases and effective implementation, industry and academia have a crucial role to play in researching and developing future generations of protective security mitigations. To assist with that, NPSA seeks to highlight protective security needs it would welcome innovative ideas to address.
Whilst many of the needs relate to physical solutions, we are also interested in innovations that include processes, procedures and behavioural interventions.
NPSA is currently looking to drive future protective security innovation under two broad themes:
- The threat from terrorism has broadened and shifted in focus to include lower-sophistication attacks on venues and public spaces, public premises and events, necessitating a drive for development of new approaches to security as well as innovative ways of reaching and enabling adoption by wider audiences.
- The increasing pace of technological change poses challenges as new technologies and next generations of existing technologies introduce new vulnerabilities and opportunities for realising malicious intent, whether by terrorists or states.
6.7 Challenge Areas
We are interested in innovative ideas that address protective security in the following Challenge Areas (in no particular order):
- Low cost, non-ionising radiation, low training burden vehicle screening solutions for explosives, weapons and other threats
- Use of extended reality (XR) technology for protective security applications
- Scanning crowds for concealed explosives, weapons and other threats with low compliance required for frictionless entry to sites
- On the ground detection system used to alert crowds to an approaching vehicle
- Tester for device-to-vehicle USB-C data blockers
- Secure device-to-vehicle connections
- Detection of camera use, specifically in relation to hostile reconnaissance
- The use of AI in training - incident response simulations to improve organisations’ ability to provide immersive exercising of their incident response procedures
- Approaches to baseline and monitor system performance over time, ensuring that security provision remains fit for purpose
- Wide area monitoring - technologies for detecting and tracking intruders across and within sites
6.8 Challenge Area detail
Full detail of Challenge Areas can be viewed here.
6.9 Department for Transport Focus Area
6.10 Background
The Department for Transport (DfT) works with its agencies and partners to support the transport network that helps the UK’s businesses and gets people and goods travelling around the country. The DfT plan and invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move.
The DfT’s National Security Science and Research (NSSR) Division provides science, technology and innovation expertise to improve the security and resilience of the UK’s transport network. Working across all transport modes and with partners from government, industry and academia, NSSR supports the development and adoption of new capabilities to address current and future security threats.
6.11 Challenge Areas
DfT NSSR is seeking innovative technologies and approaches to enhance the security and resilience of the UK transport system across aviation, maritime, rail and road environments. The Challenge Areas focus on improving the detection of malicious threats, supporting screening operators through automation and assurance, exploiting emerging technologies, and developing new capabilities that address evolving security risks while maintaining effective and efficient transport operations.
Challenge Areas of Interest to DfT NSSR:
- Aviation Hold Baggage Screening
- Detection of explosive threats in Complex Freight and Large Loads
- Low divestment walk-through people and bag screening
- Security situational awareness sensor integration with autonomous and robotic platforms
- Passenger Screening – Alarm Resolution
6.12 Challenge Area detail
Full detail of Challenge Areas can be viewed here.
7. We are interested in
We are interested in proposals that:
- Develop new or novel approaches to achieve existing outcomes within security more efficiently/effectively
- Develop and demonstrate modern approaches, techniques or equipment to deliver new or enhanced outcomes for security
- Develop current capability in a novel way to achieve efficiency or enhanced effect for security
- Provide evidence to the impact of the novel approach/technique across security
- Present a credible plan and have a realistic prospect for impact in security within a 2-year time frame from the completion of the project funded under this competition
- Present a clear plan for future development and scaling, including engagement and compliance with any applicable regulatory requirements both within and outside of Security
- Deliver a technology model or prototype demonstration at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or 7 at the end of the project. This demonstration should be at a limited scale and in the context or environment in which it is expected that the solution would be used
- Do not exceed 12 months for a Project without Testing and Trialling; 6 months if proposing Testing and Trialling-only; and 18 months total duration if a project includes Testing and Trialling as an Option. Please note there is no minimum project duration
- Do not exceed £350,000 (or exceed £150,000 if proposing Testing and Trialling-only)
- Provides a sound justification of why HM Government should fund the development of the innovation
8. We are not interested in
We are not interested in proposals that:
- Directly address other UKDI competitions that are currently running at the point of cycle close
- Address more than one Competition Focus Area within the same proposal
- Have a TRL at end of project lower than TRL 6 or higher than TRL 7
- Have a starting TRL less than TRL 6 if proposing Testing and Trialling only
- Exceed the project duration of 12 months (6 months if proposing Testing and Trialling only, 18 months in total duration if including Testing and Trialling Option)
- Exceed £350,000 in value (or exceed £150,000 if proposing Testing and Trialling only)
- Address challenges that are not aligned to the specific scope of a Focus Area of this competition
- Constitute consultancy, paper-based studies or literature reviews which just summarise the existing literature without any view of future innovation
- Are an unsolicited resubmission of a previous UKDI bid
- Offer demonstrations of off-the-shelf products requiring no experimental development (unless applied in a novel way to meet the security environment)
- Offer no real long-term prospect of integration into security capabilities
- Offer no real prospect of out-competing existing technological solutions
9. Critical elements to include
9.1 Submission Stage 1
Stage 1 submissions must include the following elements:
- An explanation and evidence how the idea aligns to the specific Competition Focus Area Challenge(s).
- An outline of the key differentiating concept to any current or other potential solutions for example how it is a new/novel way of working/technology/material etc.
- A summary of the impact for security in terms of performance and time at both the end of the potential project and end of any subsequent exploitation pathway e.g. better performance, reduced time to undertake tasking etc.
- Outline how you expect to take the solution to market on completion of the project and the time to commercialising the solution
- An explanation (if applicable) of who your partner organisations would be and your current commercial relationships
- Reference to any projects or programmes you may be aware of to which your project could integrate
- Your start and end TRL, anticipated project duration, and what you will achieve at the end of the project. If you intend to submit a proposal with a Testing and Trialling Option, write the Stage 1 proposal to include the option activity. In this case your proposal should include the TRL, duration and all other key information from the start of the main project through to the conclu