Launch of new innovative defence programme backed by £16 million
Ministry of Defence Main Building, Horse Guards Avenue.
A £16 million programme to boost small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) defence innovation has been launched today.
- Keeping the UK at the forefront of defence technology
- Joining innovations and up to 50% of government funding with large suppliers
- Grants of up to £500,000 available per project
With the innovation of SMEs, the resources of big suppliers and initial funding from government, the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) is designed to bring the key components together to allow pioneering projects to flourish.
The aim is to keep the United Kingdom at the forefront of defence technology, improving the capabilities available to our Armed Forces, the competitiveness of UK industry and growing potential exports benefits.
Individual grants of up to 50% of a project’s value – to a maximum of £500,000 per grant – will be available through DTEP for collaborative projects between SMEs and larger suppliers, supporting the integration of novel technologies, materials and processes into MOD’s supply chains.
DTEP will be open for proposals year-round, with cycles closing at 3-month intervals for assessment of submissions.
Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said:
Innovation within defence is crucial to maintaining competitive advantage for our Armed Forces.
The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme is a positive step in how we support SMEs and larger suppliers to work together to improve the resilience and competitiveness of the MOD’s supply chain.
Today’s launch builds upon the successful BEIS-funded National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) and a pilot of DTEP conducted with Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI). An example of work supported by this pilot is CCP Gransden, based near Ballygowan, collaborating with Thales and Ulster University on a project to replace the Starstreak surface-to-air missile system’s metallic canister with a composite version – reducing reliance on global supply chains for the over 50 components currently needed.
Head of the Defence and Security Accelerator, Anita Friend said:
DTEP has been designed to help SMEs join defence supply chains and offers SMEs and larger suppliers the opportunity to come together to solve defence problems.
For an SME, DTEP offers not only funding but also the opportunity to deliver new innovations into the UK defence supply chain and a way to develop and scale up their business. DTEP is also beneficial for larger companies, offering early access to new technologies or processes that they may be able to help commercialise.
Applications to DTEP can be made by UK-based SMEs looking to form a collaboration with a UK-based higher-tier supplier to help integrate and take the novel solution to market. The key areas of interest for proposals are set out in detail on the DTEP portal and are aligned with the recently published Defence Capability Framework.
DASA DTEP Business Relationship Managers will be available at all steps of the process, from project formation until after project completion. They will support SMEs through signposting, mentoring and offering other support services.
DTEP will be delivered by the MOD’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), in partnership with the Innovate UK group, and it is a core commitment in the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy and SME Action Plan.
Background
- The DTEP page can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-defence-technology-exploitation-programme
NATEP programme extended
ADS Group and Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) are pleased to announce an extension to the current NATEP programme taking it to 2025.
2 additional calls for project applications with a further £5M of funding have been agreed by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) – Autumn Call 2022 and Spring Call 2023. Interest in the programme remains at a consistently high-level making this announcement particularly welcome to those seeking to undertake R&D with assistance from the NATEP mentoring team.
The further 2 calls will take the total number of funded projects to ~ 84 – adding innovation and sustainability to the civil aerospace supply chain. Full details on how and when to apply are on the Apply tab of this website.
FIA 2022
In addition, if you are attending Farnborough International Airshow 2022 – (18 -22 July) members of the NATEP team will be on the ATI stand in Hall 4 and on the FAC stand (1317) in Hall 1, throughout the week. Our Technology Managers will be happy to answer any questions you may have on how to take your project ideas forward. Successful NATEP projects will also be on both stands show-casing their technologies to potential customers
And for a deeper dive into some of the work undertaken by NATEP, project partners will be presenting projects to a live audience in the Farnborough International News Network session taking place on Tuesday 19th from 10.00.
We hope to see you there.
A sustainable future: next NATEP Showcase – 18 Feb, 10:30-12:00
We are thrilled to be hosting the first NATEP Showcase event in 2022.
- Accelerating next generation technology for a sustainable future
- Friday 18 February 2022
- 10:30 – 12:00
- BOOK HERE – via ADS website
The NATEP Showcase is an opportunity to explore exciting new aerospace technologies and hear from industry speakers and from the project teams themselves.
NATEP showcases are an excellent way for beneficiaries to demonstrate their capabilities and raise awareness of the benefits of their technologies to the supply chain. It’s part of the support offered through the NATEP Programme – Harriet Wollerton NATEP – Programme Director.
NATEP Projects included in this showcase are from:
- Cabot Design – Cabin Interior Monument FEM Automation. https://youtu.be/ytjxsWygk70
- Helitune – Evolution of Optical Blade Tracking Technologies for Helicopters and UAVs. https://youtu.be/cZisdAqjyYU
- Technical Composite Systems – High functionality, low cost, small composite antennas. https://youtu.be/a72tCAWLYfs
- Domin – INCEPSION – Integrated Compact Electrically Powered & Signalled Actuation Systems. https://youtu.be/DAW5MBazJSE
A view into the future
In this event we are joined by colleagues from the AGP, ATI and GKN Aerospace. The event will be moderated by Sameer Savani, from Future Flight consultancy and ex-ADS Head of Innovation and Engineering. We will be delving deeper into the importance of innovation in achieving a sustainable future for aerospace. And, in considering what the future holds we will be exploring some of the innovative projects from GKN Aerospace and consider what that means for the supply chain.
- Balaji Srimoolanathan – Programme Director – Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP)
- Laura Cuss – Head of Strategy – Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI)
- Max Brown – VP Horizon 3 Technology – GKN Aerospace
Book your place by visiting the ADS event page here:
Innovate UK – Global Business Innovation Programme – Collaboration Opportunities With Sweden
Innovate UK’s Global Business Innovation Programme focus on Sweden and Sustainable Aviation is now open for applications from ambitious companies developing sustainable aviation technologies. Please find more information below
The Global Business Innovation Programme – Deadline for applications extended to Wednesday 12th January 2022
Delivered by Innovate UK EDGE, selected delegates will benefit from a funded programme of support including a preparation phase, an innovation mission to Sweden, an exploitation workshop and follow on support from an innovation and growth specialist.
Benefits of the programme
- Understand the market and prepare for doing business in Sweden
- Gain a better understanding of current and future technology trends
- Create opportunities to build partnerships with Swedish partners
- Gain exclusive access to leading Swedish aerospace companies
- Create opportunities for innovation collaborations and build partnerships that exploit UK expertise
- Meet like-minded Swedish and UK innovators
- Develop your value proposition for international investors
Who should apply
Applications are invited from SMEs who are: actively developing sustainable aviation technologies; have a strong interest in international collaboration and developing innovation projects, and the desire and capability to develop relationships with Swedish partners.
KEY TECHNOLOGY AREAS
- Propulsion systems
- All electric and hybrid engines
- Structures and design
- Lightweighting
- Composites, coatings, alloys
KEY DATES AND LINKS:
Briefing Event 7 December 2021 – https://bit.ly/3nEtllF
Deadline for applications 12 January 2022 – https://bit.ly/3oQ20fF
Notification of selection by 19 January 2022
Pre Visit Workshop – Birmingham – 6 April 2022
Innovation Visit – 15-21 May 2022
Exploitation Workshop – 20 July 2022
WHY SWEDEN
The Swedish aerospace sector employs over 14,000 people and has a turnover of more than €2.6 billion per year with international sales accounting for 70% of all revenues.
Traditionally dominated by two large companies Saab AB and GKN Aerospace Sweden AB the Swedish government’s aviation strategy is placing greater emphasis on developing a strong SME aerospace community. Brought together by the Aerospace Cluster Sweden, Swedish government has established a wide range of funding mechanisms to strengthen and grow the sector.
Sweden has identified itself as an international role model of sustainability. In 2020, state owned Swedavia, which operates ten of Sweden’s airports, became the world’s first airport operator to achieve completely fossil-free operations.
Swedish Government has strengthened its 2015 commitment to a ‘Fossil-Free Sweden’ with its 2021 announcement to reduce greenhouse gases in aviation fuel, and will continue this strategy by aiming to make all domestic flights fossil-free by 2030 and all flights originating from Sweden fossil-free by 2045.
With a clear national research and innovation agenda set out in NRIA Flyg 2020, which prioritises the environment and international collaboration, and a background of successful bilateral funding collaborations run by ATI and Vinnova 2018 and 2020, this market offers significant opportunity for UK companies developing sustainable aviation solutions.
TO APPLY FOR THIS INITIATIVE YOU MUST BE:
A UK based innovation-led company with ambitions to grow and internationalise.
A company with fewer than 500 employees.
Able to attend and complete all activities.
THE COST
Innovate UK will fund and organise flights, accommodation, in-market travel, and conference fees for successful applicants. Innovate UK will also pay for any reasonable adjustments throughout the initiative. Only one representative from each company will be funded. On acceptance to the programme a commitment fee of £500 will be obtained from each delegate, which will be refunded on completion of the full activities and agreed action plan. Non-completion after formal acceptance may result in forfeiting some or all the commitment fee.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply here using the online application form. The Global Business Innovation Programme is a competitive process and successful applicants will be notified by 19 January 2022.
Innovate UK is committed to improving the diversity of who we support. We welcome applications from under-represented groups.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information or to discuss your application, please contact Programme Lead, Louise Hooker at louise.hooker@innovateukedge.ukri.org or call +44 (0)7850 300575
Help to Grow: Digital to be launched in December 2021 – register your interest
What is Help to Grow: Digital
Help to Grow: Digital is a UK-wide government-backed scheme that aims to help SMEs choose, buy, and adopt digital technologies that will help them grow their business. Help to Grow Digital will be launched in December 2021 and could help up to 100,000 businesses adopt new digital technologies over three years.
The Help to Grow Digital scheme will offer businesses:
- Free, impartial advice and guidance about what digital technology is best suited to their business and how it can boost their business’ performance
- Targeted financial support for eligible businesses, worth up to £5,000, towards the costs of buying approved digital technologies for the first year.
Businesses can register their interest at https://register-help-to-grow-scheme.service.gov.uk/.
Case Studies
Help to Grow Digital is looking for SMEs that are using Accounting, CRM or Ecommerce software and are willing to share their digital adoption journey and experiences in case studies to feature on the Help to Grow Digital platform. Interested SMEs should contact evelyne.doh@beis.gov.uk.
User Research
Help to Grow Digital User Research colleagues are keen to talk to SMEs about the introduction of new software or technologies to support their business growth. Researchers are looking for participants to take part in user research to help to inform the design of the scheme launching in December. The research session will take approx. 30 – 40 mins and will be conducted via video conference (Teams or similar). Sessions are being throughout November and beyond. SMEs should register their interest with becky.dempsey@beis.gov.uk.
Boeing & UK Government Industry Briefing, 16 Nov 15:00-17:00
Dear Aerospace, Defence & Space Partner,
The Boeing Office of UK Industrial Capability and Her Majesty’s Government, with support from ADS, are pleased to announce a Boeing Virtual Briefing for UK Industry.
Topics will include a Boeing Commercial Aircraft market recovery update, information about new supplier cyber security requirements, and the supply base digitization strategy. You will also hear from key Ministry of Defence leaders and representatives of the UK Space Agency outlining the new National Space Strategy.
Join us for this event 16 November 2021 1500-1700 GMT by registering here https://events.boeing.com/profile/web/42124. Please note that you must use Chrome or Firefox to register.
Your registration will be reviewed and you will receive an invitation to join the live webinar with full joining instructions and further details on the agenda.
If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact Chris Gane (chris.gane@dcpm.co.uk) or Bill Peterson (bill.peterson@mobile.trade.gov.uk)
Five exciting technologies showcased at NATEP’s latest event
NATEP July 2021 Showcase – delivering social value through innovation.
Five exciting new aerospace technologies were showcased at NATEP’s July event.
NATEP showcases are an excellent way for beneficiaries to demonstrate their capabilities and raise awareness of the benefits of their technologies to the supply chain. It’s part of the support offered through the NATEP Programme – Harriet Wollerton NATEP – Programme Director.
The July 2021 showcase was the first of a quarterly series and was themed around delivering social value; how SMEs can exploit the competitive advantage when new and innovative solutions help deliver wider social value benefits to the supply chain.
An interesting session was anticipated with Alan Peaford – FINN’s Editor-in-Chief moderating the event and asking some probing questions of the guests who included Denzil J. Lawrence, Boeing Globalisation & Supplier Development and Dr Cristina Garcia Duffy – ATI’s Head of Technology, Strategy & Integration.
They were joined by five NATEP beneficiaries for an interesting and varied discussion.
The five NATEP beneficiaries presented were:
- Cabot Design – High strength aluminium alloy failure modelling – watch video
- Helitune – Project: Enhanced Safety for small to medium sized helicopters – watch video
- Sensor Coating Systems – Project: Enhanced thermal mapping for higher efficiencies – TIPTOE temperature indicating paints for aero engines – watch video
- Technical Composite Systems – Project: Composite base plates for aerospace antennas – watch video
- Tower DMS – Project: Smart Cal – watch video
Eco-smart research wins award for Cecence co-founder
Innovative research into sustainable materials and processes has placed NATEP beneficiary Samantha Bunyan among an exclusive cohort of the UK’s leading female entrepreneurs, and Cecence – the company she co-founded – on course for further commercial success.
Samantha is one of 40 visionary women awarded grants of £50,000 in the 2020-21 Women in Innovation Awards programme to take their innovative ideas to market.
The funds will help Cecence commercialise aircraft interior components resulting from several related streams of research, phases of which received backing from NATEP. The Salisbury-based SME plans to develop a range of furniture for economy and business class cabins, all made with sustainable composite materials, including recycled materials and natural fibres.
The funding will also enable the business to develop sustainable aerospace in-flight carry-on items, such as amenity kits, expanding its customer base for clean products beyond businesses to consumers
“The award will support the delivery of ‘ecocence’ as an independent in-house sustainable brand for Cecence,” said Samantha. Items will be made of natural and recycled fibres bonded by a bio-resin system.
Cecence has a history of working toward the decarbonisation of the aerospace industry with eco-friendly alternatives to the current interior products of aircraft.
From 2016, it developed an award-winning composite lightweight aircraft seat-back – currently in service on Airbus types – using woven carbon fibre and a phenolic resin bonding system. NATEP supported the development of the Q Ultra Slim seat-back which harnessed a bio-resin system, and discoveries made on the NATEP programme are being fed into the company’s new project.
The UK Women in Innovation award will help Samantha and her team take lightweighting technology and Cecence’s low-energy rapid processing know-how a step closer to the cabin of the future with next-generation aerospace components using sustainable materials.
“I am hugely proud of the team at Cecence and what we have already achieved in this area, and excited to see how we can make further advances in lightweight sustainable materials and components for aerospace interiors” .
“Innovate UK’s mentoring and outreach programme will provide opportunities to engage with a wide range of female innovators and provide a platform to promote an interdisciplinary STEAM approach to innovation and product development.
“Being selected as part of this cohort of extraordinary women is a huge honour and I am looking forward to connecting with and supporting one another on our independent and collective journeys over the course of this year.”
Invitation for new industry panel members
Update: 11/FEB/21 – We have had a great response to our call for applications therefore this is now closed.
Adding the industry perspective – contributing to the NATEP programme.
NATEP is looking for panel members to join our regional Project Review Panels (PRPs) to provide industry feedback to National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) applicants.
NATEP is aimed at supporting small and medium sized suppliers, with our unique programme of funding and mentoring, to develop their own innovative technologies to enhance their capabilities, strengthen the UK supply chain and increase their ability to win new business.
Industry representatives from across the aerospace supply chain meet on a quarterly basis under the NATEP banner to discuss and review the latest technology ideas being proposed – prior to the projects’ submissions for funding. The feedback from these meetings adds enormous value to the projects’ applications for the technology scope, understanding of the market and route to exploitation.
As NATEP’s popularity continues to grow, additional reviewers on our regional panels are needed to broaden the panels’ expertise to match the increasing diversity of the technologies being proposed.
These regional Project Review Panels (PRPs) are a great and informal way for representatives to network with colleagues from industry from across all regions of the UK and to be at the forefront of the technology innovations being developed within the civil aerospace supply chain.
NATEP has funded over 200 projects since 2013.
If you’d like to get involved and would like more information and a copy of the panels’ Terms of Reference please contact:
Nancy Jardine
NATEP Operations Manager
nancy.jardine@natep.org.uk
Tel: 020 7091 4543
M. 07860 853348