CfI: counter UAS demonstrations in prison environments
CfI: counter UAS demonstrations in prison environments supports organisations testing low-cost, autonomous drone detection and tracking systems to give UK prison staff real-time alerts.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: October 28, 2026, 11:00am UK time (Application) | December 15, 2026 (Notification) | February 1, 2027 (Project start) | End of February 2027 (Prototype) | March 2027 (Testing) | March 31, 2027 (Project end) | April 2027 (Showcase)
Funding Amounts: £40,000–£80,000 per two-month contract, inclusive of VAT; up to £900,000 total
Summary: Supports demonstration and testing of low-cost, autonomous drone detection and tracking technologies for UK prison estates.
Key Information: International organisations may lead, but the applicant must deliver most work and key deliverables in the UK.
Description
This Contracts for Innovation competition funds practical demonstrations and testing of innovative, low-cost counter uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) for UK prison estates. Innovate UK operates the competition on behalf of UKRI’s Research and Development Missions Accelerator Programme, using Safer Streets Mission funding. Solutions should autonomously detect and track a wide range of drones at, or shortly before, the prison perimeter and provide real-time alerts to prison staff.
The competition targets technologies at technology readiness level (TRL) 6 or above that are affordable to purchase and operate. SAPIENT architecture and connectivity are mandatory, enabling interoperability with external sensors and non-kinetic countermeasures. Drone identification and integrated non-kinetic countermeasures are encouraged. Successful applicants must provide a representative working prototype for independent UK testing and demonstrate a credible route to commercialisation.
