Good afternoon
I lead on London outreach activities for the Defence and Security Accelerator, DASA, the part of the Ministry of Defence that funds next generation technology to help keep the UK safer through innovation.
Presently, I'm looking at practical steps to help diversify the engineers and entrepreneurs that provide new capabilities and technologies to UK government.
Trade associations, the Institute of Directors, Local Enterprise Partnerships and the traditional Chambers of Commerce etc regularly make their members aware of DASA funding and opportunities to develop new markets in UK defence and security. In the past we have seen these organisations as good ways of spreading the message widely and equally that DASA is here with funding for innovation.
However, I'm now exploring more targeting messaging to communities we seek to attract and know are under-represented in terms of applying to DASA for funding, and therefore obtaining DASA funding. Which in turn continues to limit the ability to showcase those innovations and advance business development opportunities in UK government.
I've attached some slides on the services, funding and business development we offer into UK defence & security. They are all free and for anyone to take advantage of. And I'd be very grateful if we could discuss any avenues you may have to reach your members so they can avail themselves of DASA innovation funding if it suits their development or business needs?
(I'm aware my slides state 'benevolent IP terms and conditions'. That is perhaps underselling it as we don't take any equity and the IP stays with the innovator for the innovations we fund them to develop.)
Regards
Ralph Wilkins
Innovation Partner - London
Defence and Security Accelerator
Ralph Wilkins
Innovation Partner - London
Defence and Security Accelerator
PS: if you wish to receive the slides please email hello@the-gba.co.uk
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is a government programme that offers development funding for innovative technologies and services that advance the art of the possible. This keeps the UK ahead of its adversaries and helps businesses prosper in a competitive environment.
ReplyDeleteDASA publishes around 30 challenges each year to help protect the UK from its adversaries and keep the public safe. If you have development concepts on your technology roadmap that could fully or partially address these challenges, DASA provides full-funding without restricting where else you can sell these developments and they don’t take any IP or equity.
In the last 6 years DASA have awarded over £220m to more than 1000 businesses and universities. More than half the awards have gone to SMEs and they are particularly keen to reach the full diversity of innovators in the UK.
They also have a team of regional Innovation Partners who can advise you on the suitability of your development aims prior to bidding and provide advice on applying.
If you’re looking for funds to de-risk the development of exciting new products that could give you a competitive edge, take a look at current DASA challenges here (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/apply-for-funding) and contact your regional DASA Innovation Partner here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/contact-a-dasa-innovation-partner