HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Data Logging in Extreme Temperatures
24 July
Summary of the challenge
Transport containers used to carry hazardous materials must be robust enough to withstand serious collision. To test robustness of the containers, data logging devices need to be placed inside them – but can the containers survive the extreme temperatures of a test collision or explosion? This is the question being posed in the latest HMGCC Co-Creation challenge, which seeks solutions to ensure data loggers can continue to operate, even at high temperatures. Organisations are being asked to apply if, over a 12-week period, they can develop and demonstrate technology to meet this challenge. HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads and other indirect expenses.
Context of the challenge
UK regulations around transporting hazardous or explosive materials are rigorous, requiring a high degree of thorough, scenario-based testing. In a controlled test environment, sensors and data loggers are placed within a container, to validate its integrity and functionality, even in extreme conditions.
The gap
A data logger with sensors that measure temperature, pressure and acceleration must be able to operate in a test scenario where it is exposed to significant physical shock and high temperatures for extended periods of time. The container being tested, which holds the data logger, acts as a Faraday cage and cannot be altered as it would affect its physical performance. Existing solutions are to use a commercial data logger (SLICE), surrounded by insulation to reduce the temperature. Active cooling cannot be used. Due to the extreme external temperatures, there has been no insulation material found that is sufficient to maintain the safe operating temperature for electronics over a period of 14 hours. The highest internal temperature peaks at 90 °C, considerably higher than the operating temperature of the data logger, which is 60 °C. We are interested in hearing about any ways which could be used to ensure these loggers can remain functioning, over a period of time, at extreme temperatures. There may be parallel commercial markets in sensors used in extreme environments (e.g. oil and gas industry) and fire safety equipment such as building materials to prevent the spread of fire.
Dates
- Competition opens: Monday 23 June 2025
- Online briefing link/Deadline to submit clarifying questions: Tuesday 8 July 2025 at 10am
- Clarifying Questions published: Tuesday 15 July 2025
- Competition closes: Thursday 24 July 2025 at 5pm (UK time)
- Applicant notified: Thursday 7 August 2025
- Pitch day in Milton Keynes: Thursday 14 August 2025
- Pitch day outcome: Tuesday 19 August 2025
- Commercial onboarding begins: Friday 22 August 2025
- Target project kick-off: September 2025
Eligibility
This challenge is open to sole innovators, industry, academic and research organisations of all types and sizes. There is no requirement for security clearances. Solution providers or direct collaboration from countries listed by the UK government under trade sanctions and/or arms embargoes, are not eligible for HMGCC Co-Creation challenges.
Routes to apply
Please send applications directly to cocreation@HMGCC.gov.uk and also co-creation@dstl.gov.uk, including the challenge title with a note of the community collaborator where this challenge was first viewed. All information you provide to us as part of your proposal will be handled in confidence.
How to apply
Applications must be no more than six pages or six slides in length. HMGCC Co-Creation reserve the right to stop reading after 6 pages if this limit is breached. The page/slide limit excludes title pages, references, personnel CVs and organisational profiles. There is no prescribed application format, however, please ensure your application includes the following:
- Applicant details: contact name, organisation details and registration number
- Scope: describe how the project aligns to the challenge scope
- Innovation: describe the innovation and technology intended to be delivered in the project, along with new IP that will be generated or existing IP that can be used
- Deliverables: describe the project outcomes and their impacts
- Timescale: detail how a minimum viable product will be achieved within the project duration
- Budget: provide project finances against deliverables within the project duration
- Team: key personnel CVs and expertise organisational profile if applicable
Challenge documents:
