UK Defence Secretary Launches £800M Innovation Initiative

droneThe UK Government has launched an innovation initiative to bring future-tech and ideas to the armed forces.

Tew innovation program aims to back and support new defence solutions including surveillance drones inspired by dragonflies, laser weapons, mobile robots that can inspect incidents involving chemical materials, sensors that use gravity to survey underground structures in minutes, and virtual reality helmets to practice calling in simulated air strikes.

The program will establish an Innovation and Research Insights Unit (IRIS) which will anticipate emerging trends in technology and analyze the implications for UK Defence and Security.
The best individuals and companies will be invited to pitch to a panel, backed by a fund of around £800m over 10 years.

Following investment decisions, a dedicated hub will act as a “defence and security accelerator”, ensuring that innovative solutions to national security challenges are developed.
The launch event for the initiative will be held in September 2016 featuring a prospectus, exhibitions and explainations on how and when industry can apply to the Innovation Fund.

FinSMEs

25/08/2016

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