The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) recently announced the launch of its Open Call for Innovation for Calendar Year 2025 (CY2025) – Cycle 1, inviting innovators to contribute groundbreaking ideas aimed at enhancing the UK’s defence and security capabilities. This initiative provides a platform for individuals and organisations to propose disruptive solutions that address challenges across the defence and security landscapes, even in the absence of specific requirements.

Understanding the Open Call for Innovation
The Open Call for Innovation is a broad mechanism designed to capture a wide array of innovative ideas that might otherwise be overlooked. It allows innovators to present concepts, technologies, or services that could provide the UK with an edge over adversaries. DASA operates several specific competitions under this umbrella, each targeting distinct areas of interest within the defence and security sectors.

Key Competitions Under the Open Call
For CY2025 – Cycle 1, DASA has opened the following competition:
• Defence Rapid Impact: This competition seeks innovative ideas that can deliver a technology model or prototype demonstration at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or 7. The goal is to achieve a limited-scale demonstration in the hands of end-users within the context or environment where the solution is expected to be used. Projects should have a realistic prospect of achieving impact within three years from the completion of the project. Proposals are expected to align with strong customer requirements and capability needs.

Funding and Contracting
No specific funding limit is set for the Defence Rapid Impact competition; however, DASA typically expects to fund bids between £100,000 and £250,000. Proposals demonstrating value for money are viewed favourably.

Innovation Focus Areas (IFAs)
While the Open Call welcomes a wide range of innovative ideas, DASA also highlights specific enduring challenges through Innovation Focus Areas (IFAs). These IFAs provide insight into broad topics of interest and seek proposals that address these specific challenges. Typically, IFAs remain open for a minimum of two Open Call Cycles, allowing innovators ample time to develop and submit their proposals.

Submission Deadlines and Cycle Schedule
The Open Call for Innovation operates in cycles throughout the calendar year. For CY2025 – Cycle 1, proposals must be submitted through the DASA Online Submission Service by 12:00 Midday (BST) on 29th April 2025. The schedule for CY2025 is as follows:

  • Cycle 1: Closes on 29th April 2025; decisions released by 18th July 2025; feedback released by 25th July 2025.
  • Cycle 2: Closes on 1st July 2025; decisions released by 10th October 2025; feedback released by 17th October 2025.
  • Cycle 3: Closes on 23rd September 2025; decisions released by 12th December 2025; feedback released by 19th December 2025.
  • Cycle 4: Closes on 16th December 2025; decisions released by 27th March 2026; feedback released by 3rd April 2026.

It’s important to note that there will be no Open Call competitions open for submission between 12:00 Midday on 16th December 2025 and Midday on 6th January 2026.

Submission Process
Proposals must be submitted via the DASA Online Submission Service, which requires registration for an account. Only proposals submitted through this platform will be accepted. When submitting, innovators are required to include a title, Proposal Value Proposition Statement (PVPS), and a short abstract. This information is used by DASA and Partners Across Government (PAG) to describe the project and its intended outcomes and benefits. As this information can be shared, it should not contain details that may compromise intellectual property.

Why Should Innovators Apply?
The DASA Open Call for Innovation presents a unique opportunity for businesses, academics, and individual innovators to contribute to national security while securing funding and gaining access to government stakeholders. Here are some of the key benefits:

  • Funding Without Equity Loss: Unlike venture capital funding, DASA provides grants and contracts without taking ownership in the innovator’s company.
  • Direct Engagement with the Ministry of Defence: Successful applicants gain valuable exposure to UK defence and security decision-makers.
  • Retention of Intellectual Property: Innovators keep full control over their IP, enabling future commercial opportunities beyond the defence sector.
  • Acceleration of Technology Development: Funding and end-user feedback help innovators quickly develop and test their solutions in real-world environments.
  • Potential for Follow-on Contracts: Successful projects have the potential to secure long-term defence contracts or additional government funding for further development.

How to Maximise Your Chances of Success
While the Open Call is highly competitive, applicants can improve their chances of securing funding by following these best practices:

  • Clearly Define the Problem and Solution: Proposals should clearly articulate the problem being solved, the proposed innovation, and its impact on defence and security.
  • Demonstrate Feasibility: Back up claims with data, research, or proof-of-concept demonstrations.
  • Align with End-User Needs: Engage with DASA Innovation Partners or defence stakeholders to ensure the proposal meets a real-world need.
  • Provide a Strong Project Plan: Outline realistic milestones, deliverables, and cost estimates.
  • Ensure Security Compliance: If dealing with sensitive data or technologies, demonstrate how security requirements will be met.

What Next?

Contact RedKnight today to discuss how we can help you secure DASA funding.

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