DASA open call for innovation

Open call for innovative ideas for better UK defence and security

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is looking for innovative ideas to improve the defence and security of the UK. The open call allows bidders to present ideas at any stage of development, without waiting for a specific competition. Your idea could be a concept, product or service, at various levels of maturity.

What is DASA looking for?

DASA is currently running two distinct submission sections under their open call for innovation:

Defence Rapid Impact

This call opens and closes for several cycles during the year. It seeks innovations that deliver a technology model or prototype demonstration at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or 7. Funding bids are typically between £100,000 and £250,000. Find out more about the Defence Rapid Impact call.

Innovation Focus Areas 

DASA funds a wide range of projects through the open call, but also looks for proposals to tackle specific challenges, known as Innovation Focus Areas (IFAs). Unlike themed competitions, IFAs are usually broad and open for at least two open call cycles. See more on the Innovation Focus Areas. 

Open call proposals will go through the full competition process and be assessed based on the provided criteria.

Competition closing dates

The open call for innovation runs in cycles throughout the year. Assessment starts the day after the competition cycle closing date.

A list of the cycle closing dates for 2024/2025 is shown below.

A list of the cycle closing dates for 2025/2026 is shown below.

Find out more about DASA's open call for innovation.

First published 15 June 2021