Innovation Support to Operations (ISO)

Innovation Support to Operations Phase 3 — Next

Supports fast delivery of United Kingdom military-ready solutions through research partnerships focused on operational outcomes.

Innovation Support to Operations (ISO) Phase 3 is a fast-cycle procurement programme run by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, funding near-ready innovations that address live UK military operational requirements. The programme issues multiple cycles per year in a quarterly cadence; Cycle 7 closed 12 May 2026, making Cycle 8 anticipated in approximately July–August 2026. ISO Phase 3 succeeded Phase 2 of the same programme, which completed six cycles between 2024 and 2025, and is distinguished by its focus on solutions that can reach TRL 6 within six months of contract start.

Contracts are capped at six months in duration and up to £1 million in value, with awards typically running around £350,000. Eligible applicants include UK-registered companies (for-profit and not-for-profit), universities, and research organisations; individuals cannot apply. Challenge areas rotate across cycles and have historically addressed counter-UAS, GNSS-denied navigation, long-range telemetry, maritime autonomous systems, and maritime terminal guidance. Applicants must demonstrate TRL 6 within the six-month contract window.

Submissions are made through the UKDI Online Submission Service and assessed against desirability, feasibility, and viability criteria. Because challenge areas are published only at cycle launch, applicants should join the UKDI mailing list to receive early notice. The programme's fast pace — typically six to twelve weeks from launch to deadline — rewards organisations that have already developed modular, deployable demonstrators and can write concise, impact-led proposals aligned to the specific operational challenge stated in the competition document.