Rapid transfusion diagnostics: optimising safety on deployed operations

This UKDI competition is run on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Medical Services (DMS). It is seeking proposals that develop technology to reduce the logistical burden associated with collecting, testing and administering blood in a deployed setting.

There is one main challenge with two facets to it: to develop an innovative, logistically light point of care blood testing device(s) to test for ABO blood group and / or specific blood borne viruses.

Please read the competition document in full for all details of the competition scope and challenge areas.

Total funding available

The total possible funding available for this competition is £3 million (excluding VAT).

We expect to fund 4 to 6 proposals, in the region of £500,000 to £700,000 each, but we reserve the right to fund proposals at higher and lower values than these amounts.

Submission deadline

12:00 Midday on 2 June 2026  (BST)

Where do I submit my proposal?

Via the UKDI Online Submission Service for which you will require an account. Only proposals submitted through the UKDI Online Submission Service will be accepted.

Launch webinar

On 19 March 2026  UKDI hosted a launch webinar to provide further detail on the problem space and a chance to ask questions in an open forum. You can watch a recording of the webinar below.

Rapid transfusion diagnostics optimising safety on deployed operations - Webinar