DASA's Rapid Impact Open Call Returns
The Defence and Security Accelerator’s (DASA) Rapid Impact Open Call is back after a five-month pause, and Cycle 3 is now open for applications. This cycle seeks innovative solutions to defence challenges with a clear impact within three years of project completion. Proposals should be valued between £150,000 and £250,000 and aim to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6/7 by the project's end. The deadline for submissions is 19th November 2024.
Before applying, it's essential to contact your local innovation partner.
Competition Document
Contact your Innovation Partner
DASA has launched a new Themed Competition: Analysing and Understanding Audiences
A new Themed Competition titled "Analysing and Understanding Audiences" has been initiated by DASA, supported by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). The competition aims to provide up to £1 million in funding for innovative concepts to analyse and comprehend audiences.
This competition, managed by DASA on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), aims to solicit proposals that can enhance the UK Defence's capacity in the area of "Analysing and Understanding Audiences." The emphasis is on pinpointing inventive tools, techniques, and methodologies that could assist in selecting, analysing, and comprehending audiences.
Areas of particular interest include:
- Audience Segmentation
- Behavioural Insight Assessment
- Narrative Assessment
- Information Environment Assessment (IEA)
- Human Environment Assessment
- Network Analysis
- Channel Analysis
- Information Packs
- Assessment Metrics
Key Dates and Funding:
Up to £1m is available to fund multiple proposals.
The deadline to submit a proposal is midday 30 May 2023.
Dial in sessions: 30 March 2023 and 4 April 2023
A series of 15 minute one-to-one teleconference sessions, giving you the opportunity to ask specific questions.
More Information:
For more information and registration, please check here.
RedKnight has a strong track record of securing Innovate UK funding! If you would like help in putting together a competitive proposal, contact us today.
Faraday Battery Challenge Investment Readiness Programme 2023
Join the 2023 Faraday Battery Challenge Investment Readiness Programme by applying now. Innovate UK KTN is seeking to choose a maximum of 15 SMEs for the programme with the aim of expediting their investment process.
If your small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) is involved in the battery industry and you aim to accelerate your investment efforts, we encourage you to apply. The Investment Readiness Programme will assist you in refining your pitch to investors, gaining a better understanding of funding opportunities, preparing your investment materials, and delivering a compelling commercial story with greater confidence.
Innovate UK KTN will spearhead the programme with support from the Faraday Battery Challenge, in addition to expert guidance from Mountside Ventures and Stronger Stories. Regular interactions with investors will be part of the programme, allowing you to navigate the fundraising process, build connections, and initiate your journey.
The chosen SMEs will participate in a 12-week workshop programme led by Innovate UK KTN and facilitated by professionals and investors, including one-on-one mentoring sessions. By the end of the programme, you will have crafted an investor pitch, refined your proposition, and gained a comprehensive understanding of your financials and future plans.
The programme will culminate in a live showcase event where the cohort will present to an audience of investors with an interest in the battery sector.
Eligibility :
- UK based SMEs
- Organisations active in battery technologies for transport and energy storage.
- Organisations across the battery value chain (including cell materials and components, cells, modules and packs, recycling & enabling technologies)
- The programme is open to new participants only. If you have participated in the Faraday Battery Challenge Investment Readiness Programme 2021 and 2022 you will not be eligible to re-apply.
How to submit your application:
Step 1: Click on 'Submit Pitch Here' below
Step 2: Create a new account* by clicking on 'Need to create an account?'
Step 3: You can now start your application by clicking on the 'Submit Pitch Here' button
*this will enable you to save your application before you submit, revisit to modify your application before the deadline, and check the status of your application
Proposed timetable
- Deadline for applications: 5pm, 21st April 2023
- Application review and selection: 24th April 2023
- Cohort “get to know you”: w/c 1 May *(virtual)
- Workshop on Narrative and Storytelling: w/c 8th of May (live)
- Workshop on Funding Options and Strategy: w/c 15th of May (virtual)
- Pitch practice session: w/c 29th May (live)
- Panel to select companies to pitch at Showcase: w/c 7th of June (virtual)
- Showcase of selected companies to UK investors: w/c 10th July (live)
*The dates are subject to change. Additional sessions will be added to address the cohort’s needs; participation in these will be optional. Mentoring support will also be available throughout the programme.
More Information:
For more information and registration, please check here.
RedKnight has a strong track record of securing Innovate UK funding! If you would like help in putting together a competitive proposal, contact us today.
DASA Launches Defence Innovation Loans for SMEs
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is introducing Defence Innovation Loans to find and fund solutions to defence themed problems. The new competition will receive support from Innovate UK.
Funding
A total of £10 million will be available this year. From this, SMEs can apply for loans of between £250,000 and £1.6 million. These loans can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs to aid the commercialisation of their innovative solution. They will have a below-market interest rate of 7.4% per annum and a maximum loan term of seven years.
Scope
The Defence Innovation Loan is open to innovative ideas to improve the defence of the UK, which can come from any area of technology. However, there must be a strong defence requirement for the capability. In addition, innovations must be at TRL 6 or above to ensure you can commercialise your solution within the time scale of the Innovation Loan.
Eligibility
To apply for a Defence Innovation Loan, you must fulfil the following criteria:
- Be a UK registered SME
- Intend to exploit the results in the UK or overseas to make a significant and positive impact on the UK economy and/or productivity
- Give evidence that your business is suitable to take on a loan
As a result, individuals, academic institutions, research organisations and large companies are not eligible to apply for Defence Innovation Loans.
How to Apply
There are two elements to the Defence Innovation Loan application: firstly, an Innovation Proposal – submitted through the DASA submission service and secondly, an Innovation Loan Request Application (Business and Financial Assessment) – submitted through Innovate UK. The first deadline for applications is 11th August, with another to follow on 20th October.
For more information, please see the competition document. Alternatively, contact RedKnight if you’re looking for external support with the Innovation Proposal.
If you're looking for grant funding, you may also be interested in DASA’s Open Call for Innovation.