National · United Kingdom · UK Ministry of Defence
UKDI is the UK MOD's unified innovation body, launched on 1 July 2025 and at full operating capability since mid-2026, with a ringfenced budget of at least £400 million a year. The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) became an integral part of UKDI in February 2026, and DASA-style open calls and themed competitions now run under the UKDI brand via the same online submission service. Funding is awarded as innovation contracts across defence and security themes, from rapid-manufacture operational needs to autonomy, space and security technologies. The former DASA Defence Innovation Loans scheme is currently paused pending a new service.
This is now the single front door to UK MOD early-stage innovation money, with rolling cycles and fast contract awards. Companies that previously tracked DASA should track UKDI's live funding opportunities page instead.
Opens 3 Aug 2026 · Closes 27 Aug 2026 · up to £350,000 per proposal (£150,000 for testing-and-trialling-only projects)
Two-stage: 1,000-word Stage 1 outline closes 27 August 2026; invited Stage 2 full proposals run 1-29 October 2026. Addresses Home Office and National Protective Security Authority requirements. Further cycles planned into 2027.
Opens 28 Jul 2026 · Closes 22 Sept 2026 · proposals expected at no more than £350,000; hard cap £1 million ex VAT
Fast-paced multi-cycle competition for technologies that can reach TRL 6 and scalable manufacture within about twelve months; project duration four months or less; anticipated contract start January 2027.
Opens 14 Jul 2026 · Closes 11 Aug 2026
Listed on UKDI's live funding opportunities page; closes at midday on 11 August 2026.
Danish Ministry of Defence / Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (FMI/DALO)
The single largest pot of near-term Danish defence procurement money, with an explicit invitation for industry to propose what to buy. Speed to fielding is the main selection criterion.
German Federal Government (BMVg and BMI)
One of very few German vehicles paying companies directly for security and defence-relevant research, with multi-million-euro phased contracts. Procurement-law process means longer lead times; watch the partnering events.
Next deadline 6 Oct
Industrial Development Agency (Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu S.A.), Polish state development agency
A flexible state lender willing to bank defence-industry companies that commercial banks often avoid, useful for contract financing and liquidity in scaling defence production. No fixed calls: financing is negotiated case by case.