Successful solutions could support the UK’s future GBP1 billion Digital Targeting Web system. 

The UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has launched a GBP1 million competition to accelerate the development of autonomous sensor technologies.  

Innovations are specifically sought that deliver “autonomous sensor management and fusion approaches” which are “designed to detect and counter activity intended to deceive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance” efforts. 

The competition, announced on 2 December by the UK Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), builds on phase one of the programme which focused on developing “algorithmic solutions and simulated demonstrations” under technological level (TRL) four. 

Phase two, meanwhile, will deliver solutions at technological level (TRL) six, demonstrated using representative sensing networks.  

Projects under this competition are expected to run from May 2026 to December 2027, for no less than 18 months, with up to GBP1 million funding available.  

DASA expects to fund up to two collaborative projects, with small companies “strongly encouraged” to apply.  

Notably, applicants need not have participated in phase one to be eligible for phase two of the programme. 

The opportunity is targeted at UK industry and academia and seeks to deliver solutions that will enhance the country’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. 

Bids must be uploaded via the UK Defence Innovation-DASA Online Submission Service before 10 February, and start at TRL four, with a view to reaching TRL six during the contract period (May 2026 to December 2027). 

DASA notes that successful solutions could support the UK’s Digital Targeting Web battlefield system, which is expected to start supporting the military from 2027.  

Applicants will also “work with Dstl to integrate their solutions into a large-scale demonstration utilising the SAPIENT [Sensing for Asset Protection with Integrated Electronic Networked Technology] standard”. 

SAPIENT is a UK military open-standard framework for connecting various sensors, such as cameras and radars, together.  

The large-scale demonstration is taking place via the NATO Innovation Continuum 2027, which is a strategic initiative to support the adoption of emerging disruptive technologies across the alliance.  

As a result, applicants are told to ensure they plan to attend the NATO Innovation Continuum SHINE 2026 and 2027 events for demonstrations.