HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Miniature Detectors Sought to Spot Drones

Summary of the challenge

Drone detectors, small enough to fit inside a pocket or a hand, are sought in a new challenge launched by HMGCC Co-Creation.

The use of drones is now common everywhere, including by those intent on harming the UK and its allies. This challenge seeks to find a new way to address some of those risks.

The team wants to hear from organisations who are developing miniature devices to detect drones, also known as Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). We are not interested in devices used to disrupt or effect UAS flight paths.

This is the latest challenge set by HMGCC Co-Creation, which invites applications from industry and academia, to help solve national security problems.

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

There have been high profile news reports detailing the use of off–the-shelf and disposable UAS used in international conflicts as well as to disrupt life here in the UK.

There is constant innovation in the disruptive use of UAS, with motivations including examples such as secret surveillance or even damage leading to casualties.

The first stage to countering the UAS threat, is to detect their presence. To scale this across national security, a miniaturised UAS detector, ideally that fits in a pocket and alerts the user, is required to operate in rural and urban environments.

The gap

There are many large systems to detect and then disrupt the flight path of a UAS, there are even backpack transportable systems used for detection. These are typically developed for military applications.

But there is a national security requirement for a different type of unit to be used by civilian personnel. It must be as small as possible, unobtrusive to carry, pocketable and something that can routinely be used to detect a UAS, with very few false positives.

Dates

• Phase 1 competition opens Monday 3 February 2025
• Clarifying questions published Friday 14 February 2025
• Phase 1 competition closes Thursday 20 February 2025 at 5pm
• Applicant notified Friday 7 March 2025
• Phase 2 competition opens Monday 10 March 2025
• Phase 2 competition closes Thursday 27 March 2025 at 5pm
• Applicant notified Friday 11 April 2025
• Pitch day in Milton Keynes Wednesday 7 May 2025

Eligibility

This challenge is open to sole innovators, industry, academic and research organisations of all types and sizes, including those not traditionally associated with the defence and security sector. 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

HMGCC Co-Creation is working with a multiple and diverse set of community collaborators to broadcast and host challenges. Please follow this link for the full list of community collaborators.

If possible, please submit applications via a community collaborator. If the community collaborator does not host an application route, 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, whether submitted directly or via a collaborator platform, will be handled in confidence.

How to Apply: Phase 1

Applications must be no more than one (1) page or one (1) slide in length. The assessment panel will only read the first one (1) page or slide if the page limit is exceeded.

There is no prescribed application format, however, please ensure your application includes a brief overview of 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.

Following assessments, the successful applicants will be invited to submit a more in-depth proposal in phase 2. There will be feedback given to the successful applicants to aid their full proposal submission.

How to Apply: Phase 2

Applications must be no more than six (6) pages or six (6) slides in length. The assessment panel will only read the first six (6) pages or slides if the page limit is exceeded. The page/slide limit excludes 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

• Full Challenge Document >>
• Challenge Terms and Conditions >>