Airport security innovation funding and support

Businesses with ideas to improve threat detection at airports can apply to a new High Assurance Detection Systems competition.

Connected Places Catapult, on behalf of the Department for Transport (DfT), is encouraging applications for a new £500,000 High Assurance Detection Systems (HADeS) competition to find new technologies to enhance alarm resolution and any operating concept that can further develop United Kingdom airports' checkpoint security screening capability.

Applications are welcomed across two tracks, which correspond to a solution’s technology readiness level (TRL).

Track 1 - Emerging Security Innovations (TRL 2-3)

Grants of up to £45,000 are available for emerging security innovations at the early stages of development. In this track, the programme team is looking for long-term solutions for airport security detection systems, including concepts which offer the checkpoint of the future, post ‘Next Generation Security Checkpoint’ (NGSC), such as integrated primary and secondary screening.

Track 2 - Evolving Security Innovations (TRL 4-5)

Grants of £80,000 are available for evolving security innovations that are more developed. In this track, proposals should focus on medium term solutions, such as those that can be further developed to become part of any potential NGSC mid-life upgrade.

Expressions of interest (TRL 6+)

In addition, there is an opportunity for innovators with solutions developed beyond TRL 5 to express an interest for support for innovative concepts that offer nearer term solutions. These could include enhancements to current NGSC equipment, providing an increased ability for threat detection. Attractive propositions will be considered by DfT separately.

Across tracks 1 and 2, up to eight projects will be selected to develop their ideas during a 6 month programme. Alongside grant funding, the programme will provide tailored business support workshops delivered by experts at the Catapult in collaboration with DfT. It is envisaged that successful projects could lead to future live demonstrations, create new market opportunities and stimulate economic growth.

Find out more about the competition and how to apply.

First published 5 December 2024