DASA is seeking proposals addressing the challenge of developing a fabric which provides dermal protection against liquid chemical warfare agents and other low surface tension liquids. DASA is interested in treatments, fabric design, novel constructions or any other approach that prevents the penetration of low surface tension liquids. Any approach which is in scope will be considered including the ability to render the surface both hydrophobic and oleophobic within the stated constraints.
£2.6 million total funding is available for distribution across multiple projects. The competition is funded by the UK Ministry of Defence and Home Office with the potential for possible additional support to be provided from international partners from the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
Challenge 1
- for innovators that have a technical solution which can be developed to demonstrate basic liquid protection properties with potential to be progressed further towards the specific chemical warfare protection requirements
- to £100,000 for up to 8 months, with a possible 8 month extension
- end point is TRL 3
- outcome – pass/fail evidence against basic liquid penetration test
Challenge 2
- for innovators who have a technical solution which can be shown to pass the Challenge 1 test criteria and has potential to be developed further such that it passes the essential chemical agent challenge as detailed in NATO AEP-72 and relevant robustness tests, detailed in BS8467.
- up to £200,000 for up to 8 months
- starting point is TRL 3, with end point of at least TRL 5
The program launch webinar will be held 6 March 2025 (7 March 2025 0:100 AEDT). Register here.
A limited number of 15 minute one-to-one teleconference sessions are available 12 March 2025. Bookings will open here the day after the launch webinar (7 March) and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Proposals are due 15 April 2025, with the aim of projects starting in August.
