HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Sandpit Event to Explore Wearable Technologies

Silhouette of a person with glowing turquoise lines tracing patterns over their face and clothing on a black background.

Summary of Challenge

Experts can apply to take part in a two-day interactive sandpit event focused on discreet wearable technologies for use in national security and defence.

This challenge examines the latest research into the wearing of inconspicuous technology – looking at factors such as materials, fabrics, clothing design or other solutions. These wearable devices should be comfortable, flexible and able to help the wearer move freely without interrupting the technology itself.

The latest challenge from HMGCC Co-Creation is looking for applicants from relevant industries which could be as broad as fashion and theatre, electronics, mechanical engineering, materials, behavioural science, user centric design – among others.

To be considered, applicants must complete an application form and send in a CV – see section ‘Sandpit – how to apply’. HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads and other indirect expenses for successful projects. But please note, attendance at the sandpit does not guarantee ongoing HMGCC Co-Creation funding following this period.

Context of Challenge

Wearable technology for the consumer has shown large market growth in recent years, largely dominated by smart watches. There has also been significant investment in next generation wearables, where cabling, energy storage and useable devices are further embedded into garments, enabling greater useability while also increased ergonomics and comfort.

As there is a potential consumer market in fields such as sportswear and the medical sector, there is also a specialised national security and defence market, utilising similar underpinning technology but where different capabilities may be required.

The Gap

There are numerous academics and companies developing new technologies in the consumer market for wearable technologies.

The latest developments in this area seem to show a drive away from ‘hard’ electronics, for example printed circuit boards, insulated wiring and batteries, towards more fabric-like materials.

But there have been limited commercial successes in this field to create truly fabriclike materials and electronics deeply embedded into clothing.

The focus of this sandpit to drive diverse expertise to create the next generation of wearable technology not only for national security and defence but to also maximise chances of commercial viability.

Sandpit Overview

As described by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), a sandpit is an intensive, inclusive, interactive and creative environment, supporting a diverse group of participants from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.

We recognise the value in enabling collaboration across disciplines which may not usually come together to address the challenges being tackled. The unique opportunity provided by this sandpit will be that attendees will have access to government stakeholders, to drive the research towards real-world scenarios.

The sandpit will be fully facilitated, with stakeholders to assist participants in defining and exploring challenges in this area. The sandpit process can be broken down into several stages:

Sandpit – 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.

Applicants must submit their CV and document in the following format, with word limit. HMGCC Co-Creation reserve the right to stop reading if the word limit is breached.

Applicants will be assessed on each criteria, with equal weighting against each.

HMGCC Co-Creation will take a portfolio approach to ensure diverse expertise are represented.

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 co-creation@dstl.gov.uk and 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.

Challenge Documents