UK Defence Innovation (formerly DASA) logo
Defence Innovation Loans

Defence Innovation Loans

Provides United Kingdom Defence Innovation Loans financing for mature defence solutions needing capital before full commercialization.

Between cyclesUK Defence Innovation (formerly DASA)United Kingdom
View on funder site
About

Defence Innovation Loans is a repayable below-market-rate loan programme for UK SMEs with mature defence innovations seeking capital to reach commercialisation. The programme is co-delivered by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI, formerly DASA, which became part of UKDI in February 2026) and Innovate UK Loans Ltd, which handles credit evaluation and loan administration. Loan amounts range from £100,000 t…

What this grant funds

Repayable below-market-rate loans of £100,000–£1 million for UK SMEs with TRL 6+ defence innovations, co-delivered by UK Defence Innovation and Innovate UK Loans Ltd; programme currently paused.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Loan
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—
Funding analytics

Sign up free to see the funding breakdown

Create free accountSign in
Industries

Sign up free to see the industries in scope

Create free accountSign in
Eligibility criteria

Sign up free to see the full eligibility

Create free accountSign in
Application process

Sign up free to see how to apply

Create free accountSign in
What you have to submit

Sign up free to see what you submit

Create free accountSign in
Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: www.gov.uk