HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Compact, Low-Cost GNSS Simulator
7 August 2025
Summary of Challenge
HMGCC Co-Creation is seeking Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) simulators to support testing of multiple communication systems at the same time.
In this challenge, we want to hear from organisations which have developed, or can develop, compact and low-cost systems to replicate real-time global GNSS constellations.
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 associated with this challenge.
Context of Challenge
The UK national security and defence community operates globally, often in contested environments and conflict zones. Many communication systems rely on GNSS for position, navigation and timing signals.
To ensure the reliability of these systems, it is crucial to first test them in the most realistic environments possible. Typically, the technology needs to be portable and pocket-sized to meet the requirement. Due to limited access to trials in real world locations, testing is typically carried out in radio frequency (RF) shielded rooms to replicate these environments.
The gap
There is a gap in the market for a compact, full constellation simulator which is lower in cost, compared to other, currently available solutions. To test physical devices effectively, a realistic and real-time GNSS simulation is necessary, which is not limited to GPS but also includes other constellations like Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDuo, QZSS and NavIC.
Dates
- Competition opens: Monday 7 July 2025
- Briefing call: Tuesday 22 July 2025 at 10am
- Clarifying questions published: Tuesday 29 July 2025
- Competition closes: Thursday 7 August 2025 at 5pm
- Applicant notified: Tuesday 26 August 2025
- Pitch day in Milton Keynes: Thursday 4 September 2025
- Commercial onboarding begins: Thursday 11 September 2025
- Target project kick-off: Monday 6 October 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 co-creation@dstl.gov.uk including the challenge title with a note of the collaborator network 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 he 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
