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National · United Kingdom · UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), via UK Defence Innovation (UKDI)

UK Defence Innovation £20 Million Accelerated Contracts Fund

Innovation procurementDefenceDeep tech
Ticket size
£4m across multiple fast-track contracts (e.g. 13 companies in one cohort); total fund £20m

About the programme

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.

Why it matters

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.

Calls & cycles

none tracked
No call cycle on record. Check the official programme page.

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