UK Defence Innovation and Dstl launch £2.8 million competition to advance electro optic sensing technologies
UK Defence Innovation (UKDI), on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has launched a new Themed Competition seeking cutting-edge electro-optic sensing technologies that can enhance the UK’s defence capability across land, maritime, air and space environments. The competition is being delivered on behalf of the Electro Optic Sensing (EOS) project and aims to identify technologies that can help military forces operate more effectively in contested and degraded environments.
Up to £2.8 million in funding (excluding VAT) is available with this total amount expected to support between five and seven projects. Individual proposals can receive funding of up to £600,000, with projects expected to mature technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 to TRL 6.
What we’re looking for
Electro optic sensors play a vital role in modern military operations, supporting activities such as threat warning, target detection, discrimination and identification. UKDI is now seeking innovative solutions that can extend sensing range, improve target recognition, operate effectively through environmental obscurants, and provide enhanced situational awareness for defence users.
The challenge areas
The competition includes nine challenge areas:
How to submit a proposal
UKDI will use a two-stage competition model. Stage 1 provides innovators with an opportunity to submit an outline concept before progressing to a full proposal in Stage 2 by invitation only. This approach helps innovators quickly understand whether their idea aligns with defence requirements before investing significant effort in a detailed submission.
Please ensure you have read the full competition document and watched the recorded webinar before submitting your proposal.
The competition is open to UK-registered businesses, sole traders and UK academic institutions, with projects expected to be delivered in the UK.
Stage 1 submissions close at 12 noon GMT on 9 December 2026, with successful applicants progressing to the next phase in early 2027.