UK MoD Launches SME Defense Innovation Program

Grants of up to 50% of a project’s value – to a maximum of £500,000 per grant - will be available through Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) for collaborative projects between SMEs and larger suppliers By DA Staff / 29 Jul 2022

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow DA
uk-ministry-of-defence

A £16 million program to boost Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) defense innovation has been launched by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

With the innovation of SMEs, the resources of big suppliers and initial funding from government, the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) is designed to bring the key components together to allow pioneering projects to flourish.

The aim is to keep the United Kingdom at the forefront of defense technology, improving the capabilities available to Armed Forces, the competitiveness of UK industry and growing potential exports benefits.

Individual grants of up to 50% of a project’s value – to a maximum of £500,000 per grant – will be available through DTEP for collaborative projects between SMEs and larger suppliers, supporting the integration of novel technologies, materials and processes into MoD’s supply chains.

DTEP will be open for proposals year-round, with cycles closing at 3-month intervals for assessment of submissions.

“Innovation within defense is crucial to maintaining competitive advantage for our Armed Forces,” said Defence Minister Jeremy Quin. “The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme is a positive step in how we support SMEs and larger suppliers to work together to improve the resilience and competitiveness of the MoD’s supply chain.”

This launch builds upon the successful BEIS-funded National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) and a pilot of DTEP conducted with Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI). 

An example of work supported by this pilot is CCP Gransden, based near Ballygowan, collaborating with Thales and Ulster University on a project to replace the Starstreak surface-to-air missile system’s metallic canister with a composite version – reducing reliance on global supply chains for the over 50 components currently needed.

“DTEP has been designed to help SMEs join defense supply chains and offers SMEs and larger suppliers the opportunity to come together to solve defense problems,” said Head of the Defence and Security Accelerator, Anita Friend. “For an SME, DTEP offers not only funding but also the opportunity to deliver new innovations into the UK defense supply chain and a way to develop and scale up their business. DTEP is also beneficial for larger companies, offering early access to new technologies or processes that they may be able to help commercialize.”

Applications to DTEP can be made by UK-based SMEs looking to form a collaboration with a UK-based higher-tier supplier to help integrate and take the novel solution to market. 

DTEP will be delivered by the MoD’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), in partnership with the Innovate UK group, and it is a core commitment in the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy and SME Action Plan.

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Advanced Sonobuoys to Enhance Anti-Submarine Warfare

Thales has signed a contract with the French Defence Procurement Agency to supply the French Navy with several hundred SonoFlash sonobuoys, designed to enhance France's strategic anti-submarine warfare capabilities

Feb 06, 2025
Creomagic Demonstrates Secure Backhaul Technology for Tactical Communications

Creomagic has successfully demonstrated a robust and secure backhaul solution for mobile LTE base stations, leveraging its CreoLand MANET technology in collaboration with a key defense partner

Feb 06, 2025
New Contract to Supply NVGs to British Armed Forces

Instro, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems UK, will supply additional XACT nv33 Night Vision Goggles to the British Armed Forces under a £16 million contract

Feb 06, 2025
Spectrum Control’s Solutions for Managing Electromagnetic Spectrum

Defense Advancement showcases Spectrum Control's solutions including SCi Blocks, RF Conditioning and Distribution, Power Distribution, and EMI Protection

Feb 06, 2025
FlySight to Make Aero India Exhibition Debut with Mission Console & Live ATR Demo

FlySight makes its Aero India debut, showcasing the OPENSIGHT Mission Console and live Automatic Target Recognition, demonstrating cutting-edge AI-driven target detection and mission management capabilities

Feb 05, 2025
INVISIO Enhances Soldier System Integration with Acquisition of Software-Defined Hubs

INVISIO has acquired Ultra PCS’s UltraLYNX™ product line of software-defined hubs for $3.5 million, enhancing soldier-worn device integration and improving interoperability

Feb 05, 2025

Featured Content

Greensea IQ Expands Defense Leadership with Record Growth

After successful contracts for the Bayonet AUGV with the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and foreign militaries, Greensea IQ has closed a record-breaking year of growth in 2024

Jan 31, 2025
Latest Software Bundle Released for ISR Quadcopter

PDW CORE is the latest software package from PDW featuring a user-friendly touch interface, a PDW flight simulator, mission planning tools, an ATAK plug-in, and a laptop-compatible C100 updater

Jan 30, 2025
Revector’s Latest 4-Channel Covert Solution for Tactical Operations

Revector’s newly launched IMSI locator, the 4-channel Portable Covert Unit 2.0, delivers improved performance, flexibility, and rugged design, tailored for demanding security, defense, and search-and-rescue operations

Jan 27, 2025
Galvion Releases New Helmets for Military & SAR

Galvion is exhibiting new helmets at SHOT Show 2025 in Las Vegas, The Batlskin Hellbender TE (Tactical Edition) and the Batlskin Caiman SAR (Search and Rescue)

Jan 23, 2025
What is MIL-DTL-38999?

Micropol breaks down the definition, benefits, and roles of the MIL-DTL-38999 connector, a robust and reliable cornerstone in modern military and aerospace connectivity

Jan 21, 2025
Tyto Robotics Releases the Flight Stand 60 for Precision Testing

The Flight Stand 60 Engine Test Stand by Tyto Robotics offers a precise, versatile solution for testing internal combustion engines and propellers, providing detailed performance measurements and optimization capabilities

Jan 17, 2025