Defence Online

Following the successful Innovation Focus Area earlier this year, the Defence and Security Accelerator, part of UK Defence Innovation (UKDI-DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition called ‘Delivering Future Advantage Through Testing and Evaluation (Phase 1). Run on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Test and Evaluation Transformation Programme, this £1 million (excluding VAT) competition is seeking proposals that present innovative/novel solutions for the development of deployable T&E capabilities and the development of regulatory solutions (process or technology).

Key Dates and Funding

• The total possible funding available for Phase 1 of this themed competition is £1 million split across both challenges. A number of proposals may be funded.
• The deadline to submit a proposal is midday (GMT) on Tuesday 20 January 2026
• A Q&A webinar to discuss the competition requirements will take place on Wednesday 19 November 2025
• A series of 15 minute 1-2-1 webinar sessions will take place on Tuesday 2 December 2025 providing the opportunity to ask the competition team specific questions.

What are we looking for?

This Themed Competition is comprised of two challenges:

Challenge 1: Development of Deployable/Mobile T&E Capability

Traditional T&E facilities operate at capacity, requiring military platforms to be withdrawn from operations for extended testing periods, reducing availability and delaying capability delivery. This challenge seeks deployable solutions that “bring the range to the capability” enabling high-fidelity testing in austere regions, operational theatres, or during exercises. Solutions could allow real-time performance data collection whilst platforms remain deployed, increasing operational sustainability. Multi-domain applications are prioritised. Previous examples include modular deployable vehicles with sensors for trials teams and UAV-borne payloads for testing Electronic Support Measure systems on deployed naval platforms.

Challenge 2: Development of Technological or Process Solutions that Increase Pace of Assurance for Military Capability

Current T&E approaches can struggle to match the rapid pace of technology exploitation and capability development. Traditional end-of-lifecycle assurance misses opportunities to inform design decisions for evolving technologies. This challenge seeks solutions enabling continuous assurance throughout the development lifecycle, supporting revalidation at the speed of relevance whilst satisfying safety regulators. Multi-domain solutions are prioritised. Previous examples include Flight Termination Systems for uncrewed air systems enabling testing beyond regulated ranges, and AI Test, Evaluation and Assurance platforms that efficiently revalidate AI components in changing contexts.

Launch Q&A Webinar: Wednesday 19 November 2025 10am (GMT)

This webinar will provide more information on the challenge areas and how to submit a proposal. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions in the Q&A.

Register now on the Eventbrite Page

1-2-1 Sessions: Tuesday 2 December 2025 1pm – 4.35pm (GMT)

A series of 15 minute 1-2-1 teleconference sessions, giving you the opportunity to ask specific questions.

Registration for these sessions will open on Thursday 20 November following the Launch Webinar