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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.

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-dilutiv

Any area of defence and security technology from TRL 1 to TRL 8. Includes but is not limited to: AI, autonomous systems, cyber, materials, sensors, communications, electronic warfare, and biological systems. Sub-competitions (such as Defence Rapid Impact) may specify narrower themes each cycle.

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.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