UK Defence Innovation has launched a £2.8 million Themed Competition, run on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), seeking electro optic sensing technologies for defence use across land, maritime, air and space. The competition supports the Electro Optic Sensing project and aims to find technologies that help forces operate in contested and degraded environments.

Up to £2.8 million excluding VAT is available, expected to support between five and seven projects. Individual proposals can receive up to £600,000, with work maturing technologies from Technology Readiness Level 3 to Level 6. Nine challenge areas are listed, including infrared active imaging, detection of laser sources and counter-jamming technologies, underwater sensing and imaging through turbid media, automatic target recognition for 3D LiDAR data, machine learning for hyperspectral imaging, low size, weight, power and cost hyperspectral sensors, and high resolution imaging through aperture synthesis.

Only UK-registered businesses, sole traders and UK academic institutions are eligible, with projects expected to be delivered in the UK. The two-stage model begins with an outline concept; Stage 1 closes at 12 noon GMT on 9 December 2026, and successful applicants move to a full proposal by invitation in early 2027.