Open Call for Innovation

Open Call for Innovation

Funds organisations worldwide developing novel defence and security innovations across any technology area from TRL 1 to TRL 8.

Eligibility · Global (no nationality restrictions by default)

⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.

The Open Call for Innovation is UK Defence Innovation's (UKDI) primary broad-based grant competition. UKDI is the rebrand of the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), which transferred to the Ministry of Defence in February 2026. The Open Call sits under the UKDI funding stream and accepts proposals across any defence and security technology area from TRL 1 through TRL 8. Awards are non-dilutive contracts: UKDI takes no equity and the funded organisation retains IP ownership, with UKDI holding a royalty-free licence for UK government use. Each call cycle includes one or more named sub-competitions (the most recent being Defence Rapid Impact), each with its own theme, TRL range, and award ceiling.

The Open Call has historically run in quarterly cycles — four per calendar year in CY2025 (closing April, July, September, and January). Award amounts vary by sub-competition: the Defence Rapid Impact sub-competition caps awards at £350,000. The broader Open Call does not publish a single per-applicant cap; individual sub-competition documents specify their own limits. No match funding is required. UKDI covers 100% of eligible project costs.

Eligibility is intentionally broad. The private sector, academia, and Public Sector Research Establishments (PSREs) are all welcome. Generally, there are no nationality restrictions — applicants from any country may submit proposals, though specific competition documents may state restrictions. Individual sole traders may apply. No minimum revenue, team size, or company-age requirements are stated.

The most recent cycle (CY2025 Cycle 4) closed on 13 January 2026. UKDI then paused the service while transitioning from DASA to its new full operating capability. The new service is expected to reopen in July 2026. Applications are submitted via the UKDI community portal. Proposals are reviewed by UKDI Innovation Partners (technical assessors) for novelty, feasibility, defence/security relevance, and value for money.

Note: because this is a quarterly programme, specific cycle dates, award limits, and challenge themes change each round. Always check the live funding page and the relevant sub-competition document before submitting.