National · United Kingdom · UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), via UK Defence Innovation (UKDI)
A £20 million fund operated by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) under the MoD that awards accelerated procurement contracts—not grants—to small, innovative, and high-growth British startups and SMEs with little or no prior MoD engagement. Contracts are structured around armed forces requirements and grouped into technology themes such as AI, machine learning, robotics and autonomy, and enhanced precision weapons. Eligible companies must be fully or majority UK-owned. The fund sits within a broader MoD commitment to increase SME spending by £2.5 billion by May 2028.
For defence-tech SMEs and startups, this fund offers a rare, streamlined route to a first government contract without the typical procurement complexity—acting as both a revenue anchor and a credibility signal to attract private co-investment. The 'accelerated contracts' model bypasses conventional lengthy tendering, making it one of the fastest pathways into the UK defence supply chain. It is complemented by the new MoD Office of Small Business Growth, which helps new entrants navigate procurement and lower entry barriers.
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.