HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Smart Glasses for Mapping

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Summary of Challenge

Can you help defence and security use smart glasses to aid reconnaissance missions?

This is the latest 12-week, funded challenge launched by HMGCC Co-Creation – now open for applications.

The aim of this project is to develop an edge device that can process video and audio and has the ability to stitch together and create high fidelity 3D maps from off-the-shelf smart glasses.

Participants should deliver a demonstrable proof of concept to a minimum Technology Readiness Level 4.

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

Context of Challenge

Smart glasses are now commercially available, offering features including integrated cameras, AI voice assistance and heads-up displays.

For security and defence operators, smart glasses could provide a first-person reconnaissance view of a terrain but, for this capability to be used, government would need a robust, secure, and automated software chain able to convert raw sensor streams into 3D geospatial intelligence.

The gap

Human reconnaissance is a specialised task undertaken when drones and satellites can’t be used, for example when scouting concealed targets, operating in adverse weather conditions or where agility is required.

In high stress situations, it is crucial a system is available that is easy to use. This system should be able to take images of the situation being studied, so the data can be interpreted by an analyst.

This challenge really asks whether commercial smart glasses could help provide a lower cost solution to some of the existing specialised systems.

But questions remain:

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