DASA Themed Competitions

DASA Themed Competitions are time-limited calls under the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s defence innovation system. Each competition targets a specific problem, such as non-compressible haemorrhage, biosecurity, microbial forensic capability, or frontline diagnosis of biological and chemical agents. The competition model is narrower than the open call and usually appears several times a year. Typical competitions carry a total pot of about £1 million to £1.5 million, with individual awards often in the £100,000 to £300,000 range and project durations that can run to 18 months. They are delivered through the Innovation Standard Contract, so these are contract awards rather than grants, and the named competitions in the record include work run on behalf of MOD Defence Medical Services, UKRI, and Dstl. Applicants do best when they can map a specific technical idea to the theme without stretching into a generic platform pitch. Each call has its own deadline and scope, so the practical test is whether a team can show a credible route from prototype to the named challenge within the stated timeframe. Submissions go through DASA’s online system, which keeps the process tightly tied to the advertised problem statement.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.