HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Miniature Detectors Sought to Spot Drones (UK)

The use of drones is now common everywhere, including by those intent on harming the UK and its allies. This challenge seeks to find a new way to address some of those risks.

This is the latest challenge set by HMGCC Co-Creation, which invites applications from industry and academia, to help solve national security problems.

Organisations are being asked to apply if, over a 12 week period, they can develop and demonstrate technology to meet this challenge. HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads and other indirect expenses.

Scope

• The focus of this 12-week project is de-risking. Through developing a basic demonstrator, they want to see if it is possible to reduce the size of a UAS demonstrator to enable it to fit in a pocket. This will inform investments into further developing this technology going forward.
• To ensure delivery of a demonstrator within 12 weeks, it is suggested that there is a component focus on the electronic hardware and/or low-power software, rather than a full system. Further work with HMGCC teams can advise on antenna, battery and mechanical integration.
• This is open to Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) from 4 – 9. It is recommended that, in their proposals, applicants state the current TRL and the TRL they would expect to reach by the end of the 12 week period.
• Essential requirements:
  • Focus should be on the electronic design and underpinning software.
  • Small enough to fit in a pocket.
  • Low power, to allow a run time of at least eight hours.
  • Low thermal signature as will be carried on a person.
  • Radio frequency (RF) silent, ensuring it cannot be detected or jammed.
  • A screen display is not required, as this is likely to add to size.
  • Feedback to the user, perhaps with haptic feedback.
  • Ability to operate in a variety of environments, including dense urban and rural areas.
  • A final device must not be cloud or internet connected.
  • No defined approach of UAS detection radius, but this should be considered.
  • Consider false positives and how this may affect the user experience.
• Desirable requirements:
  • Ability to interrogate data at a later date, with UAS type and capability.
  • Ability to provide directional information.
• Not required:
  • Horizon scanning or paper study.
  • Counter UAS unit that can also jam a signal.
  • A full working unit. The solution should focus on the high technical risk element, which is the electronic miniaturisation at low power and underpinning software.

Funding Information

• Total budget, up to £60,000
• Project duration 12 weeks.

Eligibility Criteria

• This challenge is open to sole innovators, industry, academic and research organisations of all types and sizes. There is no requirement for security clearances.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Solution providers or direct collaboration from countries listed by the UK government under trade sanctions and/or arms embargoes, are not eligible for HMGCC Co-Creation challenges.

Evaluation Criteria

• All proposals, regardless of the application route, will be assessed by the HMGCC Co-Creation team. Proposals will be scored 1–5 on the following criteria:
  • Scope: Does the proposal fit within the challenge scope, taking into consideration cost and benefit?
  • Innovation: Is the technical solution credible, will it create new knowledge and IP, or use existing IP?
  • Deliverables: Will the proposal deliver a full or partial solution, if a partial solution, are there collaborations identified?
  • Timescale: Will the proposal deliver a minimum viable product within the project duration?
  • Budget: Are the project finances within the competition scope?
  • Team: Are the organisation/delivery team credible in this technical area?

For more information, visit HMGCC Co-Creation.