The UK is expanding its search for breakthrough technologies that can strengthen national defence and security in space, with the launch of a new innovation competition offering almost £1 million in funding to promising projects.
The latest initiative, titled Space to Innovate: Delta Drop, has been introduced by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) in collaboration with the UK Space Agency and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
The programme is designed to identify cutting-edge ideas capable of enhancing the country’s future space capabilities through a competitive, two-stage selection process.
Building on Years of Investment in Space Technology
The new competition continues a programme that began in 2021 with the launch of the first Space to Innovate: Alpha Drop.
Over the past several years, the UK Space Agency and Dstl have collectively invested more than £4.2 million in 19 organisations developing innovative technologies for the space sector.
Those investments have supported research and development aimed at giving the UK a technological advantage in an increasingly contested space environment.
The newly launched Delta Drop seeks to expand on those achievements by backing solutions that may not receive commercial investment but are considered strategically important for defence and government operations.
Competition Targets Three Critical Technology Areas
Organisers are inviting proposals that address three specific challenges identified as priorities for future defence and security missions.
The first challenge focuses on improving sensor-to-response capabilities, including technologies that strengthen Space Domain Awareness (SDA), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and secure communications. The goal is to improve both operational coverage and response times.
The second challenge calls for innovative methods of protecting satellites and other space-based platforms, encouraging the development of technologies that can help spacecraft defend themselves against potential threats.
The third challenge seeks technologies capable of increasing resilience against ground-based electromagnetic threats, helping ensure that critical space systems remain operational even in hostile environments.
Funding Available for Early-Stage Technologies
Successful applicants will compete for a share of up to £985,000, with projects expected to run for as long as 18 months.
The competition is aimed at technologies within Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3 to 6, supporting concepts that have progressed beyond basic research but still require further development before operational deployment.
The application process will take place in two phases.
Stage One proposals must be submitted by 28 July 2026, while shortlisted participants will be invited to submit Stage Two applications by 1 September 2026.
Addressing Growing Defence Needs in Space
Officials say the competition reflects the UK’s expanding role in the space domain and the increasing demand for advanced technologies capable of supporting defence and national security missions.
Areas of interest include systems that improve the collection, processing and transmission of information, alongside technologies that enhance the resilience of critical space infrastructure against evolving threats.
By encouraging participation from both industry and academic researchers, organisers hope to accelerate the development of solutions that can strengthen future government and military capabilities.
Information Sessions Scheduled for Applicants
To help prospective participants better understand the competition, UKDI has arranged several support events.
A launch webinar will take place on 8 July 2026, providing an overview of the competition objectives, technical challenges and application process. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions during the open session.
The following day, 9 July 2026, the competition team will host a series of private 15-minute online meetings, allowing applicants to discuss technical aspects of their proposals directly with experts.
Call for Innovative Proposals
UKDI is encouraging organisations with promising ideas that could strengthen future defence and security capabilities in space to submit proposals.
Applicants are advised to review the full competition guidance before preparing their submissions to ensure their projects meet the programme’s technical and eligibility requirements.
The initiative aims to uncover transformative technologies that can help shape the UK’s next generation of defence space capabilities.
