UKDI is inviting innovators from across UK industry and academia to submit proposals with a clear route to operational deployment. Solutions must combine technical excellence with affordability, manufacturability, and the ability to scale quickly to get into operational use within 12 months of the end of the project.
UKDI Launches Cycle 8 of Innovation Support to Operations
UKPulse Consumer DeskUKDI has launched Cycle 8 of Innovation Support to Operations, a competition to identify and accelerate innovative technologies for scalable manufacture and urgent defence deployment.
- Cycle 8 closes at 12:00 Midday on 22 September 2026 (BST)
- Projects must achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 within 4 months
- Funding decisions are expected to be communicated in December 2026
Why this matters: This competition aims to deliver useful technology into service faster than adversaries, with a focus on five challenge areas.
What this means for you: If you have an innovation that could be deployed at an appropriate scale, in operational areas within 12 months of contract end, you can submit a proposal through the UKDI Online Submission Service.