UKDI Revives Security Open Call: Join the Initiative for Enhanced Cybersecurity Solutions

The UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) has announced the relaunch of its Security Open Call, an initiative designed to solicit disruptive technologies that could effectively tackle some of the most urgent security issues facing the UK today. This new cycle of the Security Open Call will concentrate on priorities set forth by the Home Office and the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), targeting areas such as cyber resilience, border security, and protective security technologies.

Projects that receive funding through this initiative are anticipated to achieve a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 or 7, with financial support of up to £350,000 available. The initial cycle is scheduled to open on 3 August 2026 and will close on 27 August 2026, with further cycles expected to occur throughout 2026 and 2027.

Inviting Innovative Solutions for Security Challenges

UKDI is actively seeking disruptive technologies and innovative strategies that can address critical security challenges across various domains, including public safety and national security. This current cycle of the Security Open Call will specifically target priorities identified by the Home Office and the NPSA, while future cycles may consider the priorities of additional government stakeholders.

Key challenge areas outlined by the Home Office include secure data sharing among policing and government entities, combating online harms and cyber-enabled threats, enhancing national security resilience, and understanding migration behaviours. Other focus areas involve disrupting organised immigration crime and fostering improvements in border and immigration outcomes through innovative technologies.

In parallel, the NPSA has delineated challenge areas that encompass vehicle screening, extended reality applications, crowd screening, hostile reconnaissance detection, artificial intelligence-enabled training, and intrusion detection technologies. For comprehensive details regarding the Competition Focus Areas, interested parties are encouraged to review the full competition documentation.

Required Technology Readiness Levels

Funded projects are expected to produce a prototype or technology demonstrator that meets Technology Readiness Levels 6 or 7, showcasing a viable path to operational impact within two years following project completion. This emphasis on readiness underscores the UKDI’s commitment to ensuring that innovative solutions are not only theoretical but can be effectively implemented in real-world scenarios.

Understanding the Application Process

The Security Open Call employs a streamlined two-stage application process aimed at rapidly identifying promising ideas while minimising the bidding effort required from innovators. In the initial stage, applicants will submit a Stage 1 overview proposal, which UKDI will share with the relevant competition challenge owners. Ideas that resonate well with the Competition Focus Areas and exhibit a strong potential for successful delivery will be invited to progress to a comprehensive Stage 2 submission.

Funding will be allocated only to proposals that align well with the competition challenges and demonstrate a significant demand for the proposed ideas. UKDI’s Innovation Partners are available to assist innovators throughout the application process, providing guidance and support as needed.

Funding Availability and Key Dates

Successful proposals for the Security Open Call can secure funding of up to £350,000. Projects may run for a maximum duration of 12 months, with an optional testing and trialling phase that can extend activities to 18 months, subject to budget considerations. The first cycle will open on 3 August 2026 and will close on 27 August 2026, with additional cycles scheduled throughout the following years.

For those with innovative ideas that could enhance the UK’s security landscape, UKDI encourages interested parties to review the full competition document and submit their proposals. This initiative aims to accelerate the development of technologies that ensure the UK remains secure at home and strong on the global stage, while also fostering growth within the UK.