UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) relaunched the Security Open Call on 3 August 2026, seeking disruptive technologies to address UK security challenges. This cycle focuses on priorities set by the Home Office and the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), including cyber resilience, border security and protective security technologies.

Successful proposals can receive up to £350,000. Funded projects are expected to reach Technology Readiness Level 6 or 7 and demonstrate a realistic route to operational impact within two years of completion. Projects can run for a maximum of 12 months, with an optional testing and trialling phase extending activity to 18 months.

The first cycle opened on 3 August and was scheduled to close on 27 August 2026, with additional cycles planned throughout 2026 and 2027. Applications use a two-stage process, beginning with a Stage 1 overview proposal; only ideas aligned with the competition challenges and showing strong demand were to be funded, according to the announcement.