Call for Applications: HADeS Competition 2024 (United Kingdom)

This project will focus on alarm resolution and any operating concept that can enhance the performance of checkpoint systems to screen aviation passengers and their cabin baggage. Up to eight successful applicants will receive funding to develop their ideas during a 6-month programme that will involve business support workshops to address the needs of the cohort, in collaboration with the DfT

The current cabin baggage screening system largely uses a two-stage primary screening approach provided by computed tomography (CT) or dual-view (DV) X-ray. Where necessary, this is followed by secondary or alarm resolution screening techniques using explosives trace detection (ETD) and liquid explosive detection systems (LEDS). The DfT aspires to ensure that future security checkpoints meet the highest possible threat detection capability while remaining operationally viable.

Successful projects could lead to future live demonstrations, create new market opportunities and stimulate economic growth. The competition seeks to further develop a resilient and efficient security ecosystem, ensuring that UK airports are better equipped to detect and deter threats while maintaining efficient operations.

Programme Challenge

• Track 1 – Emerging Security Innovations (TRL 2-3)
  • This focuses on technology and products that are presently between TRL 2-3 but are looking to advance within these levels, or onto level 4. Proposals should provide long term solutions for airport security detection systems, such as innovative concepts which offer the checkpoint of the future, post Next Generation Security Checkpoint (NGSC), such as integrated primary and secondary screening. These will help the DfT to shape their longer-term vision and may inform decisions about the lifetime of current NGSC equipment.
• Track 2 – Evolving Security Innovations (TRL 4-5)
  • This focuses on technologies and products that are currently between TRLs 4-5 and are looking to advance within these levels or towards level 6. Proposals will focus on medium term solutions, such as those that can be further developed to become part of any potential NGSC mid-life upgrade.
• Expressions of Interest (EOIs) – Higher TRLs (TRL6+)
  • Although not in scope for the grant funding in this innovation call, the DfT are looking for innovative concepts which offer nearer term solutions which could include enhancements to current NGSC equipment to provide an increased ability for threat detection. Such proposals may be submitted as EOIs by completing the same application form applicable to Tracks 1 and 2, as described below. Attractive propositions will be considered for separate funding.
  • Such proposals could support the development of advanced detection and threat reduction technologies, and their combination into a system of systems.

What’s on Offer to SMEs?

• Innovation Funding
  • Up to 100% funding to develop your innovation
• DfT Collaboration
  • Gain insight from policy teams at DfT
• Business Support
  • Support from Connected Places Catapult covering a range of business areas including investment readiness

Funding Information

• This competition will be providing a total of up to £500k in grant funding, for up to eight organisations, with funding up to £80k available per organisation.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible, applicants must be:
  • You must be a business of any size or a university/academic institution.
  • Lead organisations must be UK registered.
  • If you are applying as a consortium, international partners are welcome, however they can only receive up to 80% of the total grant amount.
  • Applications from large organisations will be considered, however a clear rationale is required as to why the proposed idea cannot be funded by internal resources and/or R&D budget. You must meet the requirements of their Due Diligence section in your application.
  • If successful, you must be able to begin your project in March 2025 with a maximum of 6 months duration.
  • Some travel to meetings and events may be required.

For more information, visit Connected Places Catapult.