Driving SME Innovation for Defence

The Innovation Gateway aims to help SMEs break down some of the barriers preventing their innovative technologies from turning into defence capability and being adopted by the MOD.

In support, we hosted a briefing at our office in London for UK SMEs seeking to advance their technologies and capabilities. The session covered a range of topics; from ways of accessing Test & Evaluation facilities more easily and cheaply for SMEs, to the importance of quick pull-through of innovative SME technology, which is vital for boosting UK defence capability and economic growth.

Those who attended heard from, among others:

• A keynote from Andy Caldwell, Head of Research and Development, Test and Evaluation UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) Strategic Programmes Directorate, on the value of Test & Evaluation (T&E) for SMEs in defence;
• An overview of QinetiQ operated MOD Test, Training, Trials, and Evaluation (T3E) capabilities and facilities, and how SMEs can access facilities normally out of reach;
• Insights from SMEs such as Flarebrightwho have successfully accelerated innovation using these resources.

Attendees had the opportunity to:

• Engage with T&E experts to explore tailored solutions and expedite the route from innovation to frontline.
• Connect with SMEs, MOD, QinetiQ, and ADS to foster collaboration.
• Learn how the Innovation Gateway supports regulatory navigation and safety case development for timely approvals.

This is the first of many events where we can demonstrate our ability to UK SMEs on how we can help advance the rapid pull through of innovative technology for Defence capability and economic growth.

To find out more please contact [email protected]