Security & Defence

The UK is committed to spending a minimum 2% of GDP on defence over the next decade, and at least 20% of that spending on equipment. This commitment represents spending some £186bn on defence equipment and support in the 10 years from 2018/19. The UK is also the second largest defence exporter, winning defence orders worth £14bn in 2018.

To maintain the safety and security of both the public and visitors to the UK, police, intelligence agencies and the private security sector is supported by a vibrant UK SME security sector which is a global leader in a wide range of products and services who supported the export of over £5.2m goods and services (2018). Globally, the security market – cyber security included – exhibits continued growth and is projected to reach £150bn by 2022.

There are many innovative solutions developed for, and applicable to the defence and security sectors. Our team can help you navigate this landscape by signposting funding opportunities, offering advice, providing guidance and introducing beneficial connections.

Companies developing products, services or innovation that are applicable to defence or security sectors and work in areas like cIoT, Data science/AI/ML, Forensics, Detection and screening technologies, Cryptography, Synthetic biology and chemistry, Radiological and nuclear, UAV/drones, sensors, behavioural science, human enhancement, energy storage, advanced materials and electronics, space and Earth Observation, surveillance and intelligence, logistics, command and control.

Click here to see open funding opportunities in the security & defence sector.

Click here to see funding competitions and open calls from DASA (the UK government’s Defence and Security Accelerator).

Our current focus in this area

The National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) definition of cyber security’s core function is to protect the devices we all use, and the services we access from theft or damage and preventing unauthorised access to personal information we store on these devices, and online.

What makes our modern lives relatively easy, interconnected and seamless is this seldomly thought of, but very vital soft infrastructure – the electromagnetic spectrum.

Related Opportunities

The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme

Opens: 08/08/2022 Closes: 31/12/2023

The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) aims to inspire companies to win new business, develop industrial capabilities, and provide new cutting-edge answers to defence problems at home and abroad, ensuring the UK expands its competitive, pioneering and world-class defence and security i

More Information

Defence Innovation Loans 2023

Opens: 01/01/2023 Closes: 18/04/2023

Loans of up to £2m to help convert your mature defence innovation into a strong business proposition for defence procurement, with a below market interest rate of 7.4% per annum

More Information

Knowledge transfer partnerships (KTP): 2023 to 2024 Round 1

Opens: 30/01/2023 Closes: 30/03/2023

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) link forward thinking businesses with the UK’s world class knowledge bases to deliver innovation projects led by inspired graduates.

More Information

Related Events and Recordings

Fri
11
Nov
2022

UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2022

09.00 - 16.00 | London/online

Watch now
Wed
14
Dec
2022

Accelerating Trustworthy AI: Phase 1 Feasibility Study

10.00 - 11.00 | Online

Watch now
Wed
2
Mar
2022

The Future of Computing for Defence

10.00 - 16.00 | Online

Watch Now
See all events
Hazel Biggs

Our Expert

Hazel Biggs

Read full profile

Related News

Want to compete as a red team for the UK Privacy Enhancing Technologies Challenge Prize?

10/11/2022

Want to compete as a red team for the UK Privacy Enhancing Technologies Challenge Prize?

Register your interest for the Red Teaming phase of the UK side of the UK-US PETs prize challenges.

Read more
Innovate UK KTN supports the launch of new innovative defence programme backed by £16 million

09/08/2022

Innovate UK KTN supports the launch of new innovative defence programme backed by £16 million

A £16 million programme to boost small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) defence innovation has been launched, with up to 50% of government funding for large suppliers and grants of up to £500,000 available per project.

Read more
More News

For general enquiries regarding our Security & Defence sector contact us now

Close

Connect with Innovate UK KTN

Join Innovate UK KTN's mailing list to receive updates on funding opportunities, events and to access IUK KTN’s deep expertise. Please check your email to confirm your subscription and select your area(s) of interest.