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Open Call for Innovation

Defence Rapid Impact

Funds innovators from any country developing near-term defence technology prototypes at TRL 6 or 7 through the MOD Defence Innovation Fund.

Defence Rapid Impact is a sub-competition that runs under the Open Call for Innovation, operated by UK Defence Innovation (formerly the Defence and Security Accelerator, DASA) and funded by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Defence Innovation Fund. It is a recurring quarterly competition — one of the named tracks within each Open Call cycle — and differs from the broader Open Call in that it targets i

Any area of UK Defence where a TRL 6 or 7 technology prototype can deliver realistic impact within 24 months. Covers but is not limited to: AI, autonomous systems, UAS, materials, sensors, cyber, electronic warfare, communications, and logistics.

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.6–24 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
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.

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Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: www.gov.uk