Defence and Security Accelerator Themed Competitions
DASA Themed Competitions fund rapid development and demonstration of innovative defence and security technologies addressing specific UK Ministry of Defence challenges.
Funder: United Kingdom Ministry of Defence
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2026 (Cycle 4) | August 2026 (Cycle 5) | October 2026 (Cycle 6)
Funding Amounts: Up to £350,000 per project; total funding across cycles 4–6 is £4 million (excl. VAT); projects typically last ≤4 months (≤6 months for specific challenges).
Summary: Funds rapid, innovative solutions to defined UK defence and security challenges, with a focus on scalable, demonstrable technologies.
Key Information: Applicants must be UK-registered organisations carrying out work in the UK; proposals must reach at least TRL 6 by project end.
Description
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) Themed Competitions are periodic funding calls aimed at addressing specific technical challenges and innovation needs within the UK defence and security sectors. Each cycle targets priority areas—such as UAS propulsion, artillery barrel repair, maritime autonomous navigation, seekers, and UAS defeat—seeking novel, cost-competitive solutions that can be demonstrated at scale within tight timeframes. Projects must be designed for manufacture and rapid deployment, supporting the Ministry of Defence’s goal to accelerate the adoption of game-changing capabilities.
