HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Imaging Hidden Objects in Walls

Colorful wavy lines resembling data graphs are superimposed on a red brick wall background.

Summary of Challenge

Could your technology help reveal hidden objects concealed in walls, ceilings and floors?

This is the focus of the latest funded challenge launched by HMGCC Co-Creation, which is seeking imaging technologies able to prevent unwanted surveillance.

The tech solution should be able to uncover covert devices in the periphery of rooms, but without damaging walls.

The team is particularly interested in non-ionising radiation imaging techniques, such as portable terahertz or millimetre-wave systems. Successful solutions should aim to achieve a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 demonstrator within 12 weeks.

HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads and other indirect expenses for successful applicants.

Context of Challenge

Protecting sensitive locations from surveillance is an important national security requirement. Security professionals use a range of techniques to identify hidden devices that could be used to capture conversations, images or communications.

One method is to inspect walls, ceilings and floors for hidden equipment without damaging the building. Existing approaches, such as x-ray imaging, can be effective but are often large, heavy and require additional safety controls due to their use of ionising radiation.

This challenge seeks alternative approaches that can provide useful imaging capability whilst being more portable and easier to deploy.

The gap

Existing non-destructive imaging techniques each have limitations.

X-ray systems can provide detailed images through many materials but are often bulky and require additional safety measures.

Terahertz and millimetre-wave technologies use non-ionising radiation and have demonstrated success in applications such as airport security screening. However, current systems often face challenges including limited penetration depth, reduced performance in some environmental conditions, and difficulties achieving both portability and high image quality.

There remains a need for a portable imaging system that can provide useful images within walls, ceilings and floors whilst remaining practical for operational use.

Dates

*Please note, the successful solution provider will be expected to have availability for a one hour onboarding call via MS Teams on the date specified to begin the onboarding/contractual process.

Clarifying questions or general requests for assistance can be submitted directly to cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk before the deadline with the challenge title as the subject. These clarifying questions may be technical, procedural, or commercial in subject, or anything else where assistance is required. Please note that answered questions will be published to facilitate a fair and open competition.

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.

How to Apply

Please submit your application on the HMGCC Co-Creation website. Any queries please email Co-Creation@dstl.gov.uk and cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk.

All information you provide to us as part of your application will be handled in confidence.

Applications must be no more than six pages or six slides in length. HMGCC Co-Creation reserves the right to stop reading after six 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:

Challenge Documents