Defence and Security Accelerator
DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International) 2017 was held in London from 12 to 15 September. The industry defence and security exhibition attracted more than 35,000 visitors, providing DASA a great opportunity to network with existing and potential partners and to showcase how we find, fund and exploit innovations for benefit and support of UK defence and security.
We were delighted to showcase and demonstrate products from Oxbotica, Close Air Solutions, Folium Optics and Glyndwr Innovations on the stand throughout the week.
Innovation networking
On Tuesday 12 September, we held a seminar followed by an Innovation Network Event at the Innovation Hub. At our seminar, Lucy Mason, Head of the Defence and Security Accelerator gave an update on DASA activities. She also announced changes to our Open Call for Innovation competition. The one page pitch pilot is already proving popular and has received several entries.
Finding, funding and exploiting innovation for UK Defence and Security presentation
Jim Pennycook, Innovation Partner then explained what funding and support opportunities DASA can offer industry and academic innovators if their product or service could meet one of the defence and security challenges.
Challenges and opportunities with the Defence and Security Accelerator
Close Air Solutions and Oxbotica, organisations who have received funding from DASA, explained how DASA had helped them develop their product so it was fit for the defence and/or security market.
Innovation into exploitation
Lucy Mason also took part in a panel discussion on Innovation to Exploitation with the UK Defence Solutions Centre (UKDSC).
Last mile winners announced
The Minister for Defence Procurement, Harriett Baldwin MP, also announced the winners to our Autonomous Last Mile competition. This development will shape and transform the way the British Army supplies front line troops in the future.