This Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) competition aims to identify and develop novel, early stage research ideas that may have a significant and disruptive impact on the future of Defence and Security. A disruptive impact is something that radically alters how we do things. This can be positive (e.g. a new capability becomes available) or negative (e.g. a new type of threat arises).

This competition is funded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory [Dstl].

Unlike last year’s competition on early stage research ideas, in 2023 we will run the competition over two phases. Phase 1 will be run in a similar way to last year, with up to 15 proposals awarded £50k each. Phase 2 will allow some of the most promising projects funded through Phase 1 to receive further funding.

Competition key information

Submission deadline

Midday (GMT) on Tuesday 5th December 2023

How do I submit my proposal?

Via the DASA Online Submission Service for which you will require an account. Only proposals submitted through the DASA Online Submission Service will be accepted.

You must not submit any information classified above [OFFICIAL]. For more information on government security classifications click HERE

If you wish to add supporting information that may be above OFFICIAL you must contact the DASA Help Centre at accelerator@dstl.gov.uk in advance and we will discuss solutions with you.

Total funding available

Phase 1

The total funding available for Phase 1 of this competition is £750k (ex VAT).

The value of each submission must be for a fixed amount of £50k. Failure to submit a proposal for this amount will result in the proposal being sifted out as non-compliant.

Contracts will be awarded for a duration of up to 5 months from April 2024 and must complete with a 5000-7000 word report, followed by a 20-minute presentation to a MOD Board in September 2024. The exact date and location will be confirmed to innovators if they are chosen for funding. Dstl would prefer that the presentation be given in person. However, an option to present virtually will be made available if attendance in person is not possible.

Phase 2

A further budget of £750k (ex VAT) has been made available for Phase 2. Only those who are successful in Phase 1, and deliver their report and a presentation to the MOD Board, may be eligible to apply for Phase 2 funding. Suppliers who the Board consider to have progressed their idea well in Phase 1, in a topic area that could be important to Defence or Security, will be invited to submit Phase 2 bids.

Dstl reserves the right to fund any number of Phase 2 proposals.

What will the webinar involve

This dial-in session will provide further detail on the problem space and a chance to ask questions in an open forum.

Novel Disruptive Science Impacting Future Defence and Security Webinar