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Guidance

How to work with UK Defence Innovation (UKDI)

UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) is the front door for companies and individuals who want to innovate with defence and security. If you have an innovative idea to address our challenges, here’s how to get involved.

From:
UK Defence Innovation
Published:
22 July 2026
Last updated:
1318 August 2026 — See all updates

Working with UKDI

UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) funds and supports innovative ideas that could improve the UK’s defence and security.

Whether you have an idea to develop, want to apply for funding, or need advice before you get started, this page will help you find the right route in.

Our work is demand-led and we publish opportunities as they arise. Check the UKDI website regularly — or get in touch if you think you can help address our challenges.

Quick Links - find your route:

Guidance for writing a proposal

  • If you need help writing a strong proposal for UKDI funding opportunities, you can view our guide here.

  • For general advice on working with UKDI, including frequently asked questions, please see the advice page here.

Procurement guide

This is explains how you can sell into Defence. The procurement guide sets out what you need to know about becoming a supplier or contractor.

Live funding opportunities

UKDI runs competitions to find and fund innovative ideas that could improve the UK’s defence and security.

Competitions are open to businesses of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and companies who have not worked with defence before. You do not need to be an established defence supplier to apply.

There are different types of competition depending on the nature of your idea and how developed it is:

  • Open Call for Innovation — for disruptive ideas at any stage, even if no specific requirement has been set
  • Themed Competitions — focused on a defined challenge or area of interest to government
  • Defence Innovation Loans — funding for later-stage research and development and commercialisation

Competitions run throughout the year. You can view all competitions currently open, upcoming opportunities, and guidance on how to apply on our funding page.

View live funding opportunities

Futures Lab

Futures Lab, powered by Engineering Delivery Partner (EDP), is a service dedicated to utilising the knowledge and experience of industry and academia to provide constructive challenge and impartial decision support to respond to the ever-changing, complex-threat defence environment.

As part of UKDI, Futures Lab works closely with MOD clients to shape and cohere defence innovation challenges. These Innovation Challenges are answered by agile and collaborative teams formed of Futures Lab’s evolving network of providers.

Get in touch here

The Ideas Marketplace

The Ideas Marketplace is the platform to share ideas and collaborate with innovators, government experts and end users.

UKDI adviserInnovation Partners

UKDI has a team of Innovation Partners who can provide you with advice and guidance on open UKDI services. To get in touch with an Innovation Partner, submit an Innovation Outline for the competition you are interested in.

Innovation Partners are civil servants employed by the UK Government. They will:

  • discuss a specific competition with you
  • guide you through the submission process for UKDI’s various opportunities
  • signpost to a service that provides support for neurodivergent applicants

Your Intellectual Property is protected when you speak to an Innovation Partner.

UKDI works with organisations of all sizes and backgrounds. You do not need previous experience of working with defence.

If you require support with submitting a proposal, please see our guidance documents.

Guidance for international innovators

Before contacting a UKDI Innovation Partner

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Most defenceUKDI andcompetitions securityare industrialintended base.for organisations that undertake project activity in the UK. Eligibility requirements are detailed within the relevant competition documentation.

OverseasPlease innovatorsnote:

  • UK businesses, SMEs, start-ups, sole traders, universities and research organisations based in the UK are encouraged to engage with UKDI.
  • UK subsidiaries of international organisations may stillbe eligible where they undertake project work in the UK.
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  • Organisations with no UK operational activity and no intention to undertake project work in the UK are unlikely to be eligible for most UKDI website.

    opportunities.

Find external opportunities

Connect with the UK defence and security community

Joining a defence and security trade body can help you build connections, understand the market, and find opportunities. UKDI works with associated trade bodies:

  • TechUK — represents the technology sector
  • Make UK Defence — supports manufacturers working in or entering defence
  • ADS Group — represents aerospace, defence, security, and space industries

Regional Defence and Security Clusters (RDSCs)

RDSCs are regional networks that support one another to find new commercial and government markets through each others’ supply chains, provide education on supplying Defence & Security and give innovative companies a voice in helping shape UKDI activities and competitions. Find your local RDSC and sign up.

UKDI Mailing List 

Sign up to the UKDI Mailing List to receive updates on new competitions, events, and news.

For any other enquiries

Our UKDI Help Centre can offer support on urgent technical enquiries, submission service support, press enquiries and freedom of information requests. For specific questions about the suitability of your ideas to UKDI competitions, register with us to speak with an Innovation Partner.

Email the UKDI Help Centre: accelerator@dstl.gov.uk 

Phone: 01980 950000 option 3 (open 9am – midday, Monday-Friday)

Updates to this page

Published 22 July 2026
Last updated 1318 August 2026 — Show all updates

  1. Updated the wording underneath - Guidance for international innovators

  2. Updated UKDI Adviser information

  3. First published.

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Update history

2026-08-18 16:06
Updated the wording underneath – Guidance for international innovators

2026-08-13 14:09
Updated UKDI Adviser information

2026-07-22 13:24
First published.