Support for innovative solutions for defence and security in space
UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) has launched a new Space to Innovate Delta Drop competition to support innovation for future space capabilities in defence and security.
Up to £985,000 is available for projects lasting up to 18 months, targeting Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 to 6.
The competition is looking for technologies in three areas
- improving space awareness, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and communications
- new approaches to protecting space-based platforms
- resilience against ground-based electromagnetic threats
UKDI has already supported 19 organisations through earlier Space to Innovate drops, with more than £4.2 million in funding awarded.
The competition will open in two stages. First, you submit a short outline of your idea, and then, if invited, you submit a full proposal with detailed technical, project and finance information.
Read the full competition document before you enter your submission.
The deadline for stage 1 submissions is 28 July 2026.
Interested businesses can join a launch webinar on 8 July 2026, followed by one-to-one sessions on 9 July 2026. Registration for these sessions will be available straight after the webinar.
The Space to Innovate Delta Drop competition is funded by the UK Space Agency and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
First published 3 July 2026
