This Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) competition is seeking proposals that solve/enhance the rapid detection of toxic gases because of the desire to give an early warning to indicate unsafe levels of toxic gases in busy spaces.

This competition is funded by Home Office.

Competition Scope

Background: Keeping people safe in busy spaces

The rapid release of toxic gas in an enclosed or semi-enclosed environment may happen through accident, equipment malfunction or malicious intent. The impact could outpace existing safety procedures and potentially lead to adverse health effects for those in the vicinity. Therefore, DASA is seeking new technological solutions to this health, safety, and security challenge.

We are interested in detecting the presence of toxic gases in busy spaces, by using an early warning system that triggers to the presence of toxic gases at or above 10% of their 10 minute Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGL) level 2 value. As well as detection, we are also interested in estimating concentration, minimising nuisance alarms and quickly identifying areas at risk. The possibility of networking to future smart facility management systems is also of interest.

Scope: Wide ranging and rapid toxic gas detection

Comprehensive coverage of chemical hazards is preferred. Some toxic gases are of greater concern than others in rapid release emergencies – for example, colourless or odourless gases which would not otherwise alert bystanders, compared to coloured or odoriferous gases that would generate sensory visible alarms. In future, certain gases may be prioritised for particular focus. At this stage, we are exploring detectors with the widest possible range of chemical libraries and capabilities.

Some more specific guideline criteria are suggested below. Potential chemical toxic gas libraries and exposure guidelines to address:

· Gases found in the Public Health England (now the UK Health and Safety Agency) Chemical hazards compendium - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

· Gases from the “high hazard” and “medium hazard” categories of the US Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs) Guide | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)

· Acute Exposure Guidelines for Airborne Chemicals

We are particularly interested in novel technology developments outside of the more commonly used techniques for gas detection such as electrochemical sensors, metal oxide sensor or spectroscopic methods. However, novel applications or development based on current techniques are still of interest and are in scope for this competition.

All innovations that meet the competition challenge of identifying a potentially dangerous atmosphere in busy public places are also of interest and in scope for this competition.

While any gas detection method is acceptable, we are primarily interested in detecting toxic gases and transmitting the data to a larger system. This will enable us to take necessary action in the event of a positive detection. Given that the application of this technology is within large public places, it is crucial to minimise the potential of false responses. In addition, the detection system does not have to be performed by a single detector and solutions requiring a network of sensors can also be considered.

This Session

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

Where do I submit my proposal?

Via the DASA Online Submission Service for which you will be required to register.

Only proposals submitted through the DASA Online Submission Service will be accepted.

Total funding available

The total funding available for Phase 1 of this competition £1.6 million (excluding VAT).

How many proposals will DASA fund

We are expecting to fund multiple proposals under this competition.

Additional funding for further phases to increase TRL may be available. Any further phases will be open to applications from all innovators and not just those that submitted Phase 1 bids.

Registrations are closed

Rapid Detection of Toxic Gases Launch Webinar