DASA is seeking proposals that solve a range of Defence and Security challenges and enhance capability by applying engineering biology approaches.
£500,000 is expected to be allocated across 3 -5 projects of up to 12 months. Applicants do not need to have participated in Phase 1.
High-risk high-reward approaches are encouraged but there should be a plan to take the work to the TRL designated for the challenge addressed in the proposal.
Submissions are due 17 January 2024.
Challenges
- Power and Energy – (TRL 3) – engineering biology concepts that can offer a step change in existing power source and energy storage solutions for military applications.
- 1 – Improving existing energy sources – replacing components or producing packaging or other materials that improve energy, safety or performance measures
- 2 – Disruptive change to power and energy provision – an entirely novel engineering biology solution to the production of useable electrical energy
- Materials for Defence (TRL 4) – materials relevant to a range of challenges (eg protection against physical attack, survival in extreme environments, development of generation-after-next capability, but excluding exposure to chemical and biological agents). eg functionalised material, structural composites, eye protection materials, materials for protection of physical senors, coatings, durable novel materials, critical materials, materials for enhanced antenna design or performance, adhesives
- Sensing (TRL 3) – bio-enabled sensing innovations that push the boundaries of what can be achieved. Integrated response functions are also desirable. eg sensing modalities, biomimetic sensing approaches, response functions within bio-enabled sensing systems, rational design of bio-components, systems integration between bioelectronics/biophotonic sensing and conventional tech, bio-hybrid manufacturing methods, transduction/disclosure mechanisms.
Information webinar – 20 November 2023. Register here
15 minute 1-1 teleconference sessions – 27 November 2023. Register here
