DASA Open Call for Innovation
Paused by the funder
MOD launched UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) in July 2025 with a GBP 400m budget, consolidating defence innovation activity including DASA. Open Call cycles have continued to be run under the UKDI umbrella (UKDI cycle-numbered competitions). Check GOV.UK's DASA/UKDI collection pages for the current cycle - branding and process are in transition.
Phase 1 proposals typically up to around GBP 350,000 (Rapid Impact awards commonly up to ~GBP 100,000 over 6 months; Fast Track/Phase 2 awards larger). 100% funded R&D contracts, supplier retains background IP.
You must co-fund 0%.
Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), Ministry of Defence
public · national
Deadline: cutoff — Historically ran as continuous calendar-year cycles with cut-offs roughly every 6-8 weeks (for example CY2025 Cycle 4). Two routes: Rapid Impact and Rapid Impact - Emerging Innovations.
This funder does not publish a success rate. We rank it using the rate observed across similar programmes and label it as an estimate rather than implying we know.
Major bid — written case, budget, possibly partners.
Who can apply
- Sectors: deeptech, ai, space, manufacturing
- Stage: idea, pre_seed, seed, series_a
- R&D activity required
- Locally registered entity required
Funded via R&D contracts rather than grants, so VAT and contract terms apply. Open to companies, academics and individuals; overseas suppliers can apply but must meet security requirements.
How to apply
- Read the overarching Open Call competition document and the current cycle document
- Optionally book a DASA innovation partner conversation
- Submit through the DASA online submission service before the cycle cut-off
- Assessment against desirability, feasibility and viability
- Contract award as a funded R&D contract
What you will need
- Technical proposal against the competition template
- Costed workplan and milestones
- Company details and financial viability information
Source. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/defence-and-security-accelerator-dasa-open-call-for-innovation — checked 2026-08-14 · not human-checked
"Overarching Competition Document: Open Call for Innovation CY2025 - Cycle 4"