Funding for novel space technologies
Support for innovative solutions for defence and security in space
UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) has launched a new Space to Innovate: Delta Drop competition to support innovation for future space capabilities in defence and security.
Up to £985,000 is available for projects lasting up to 18 months, targeting Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 to 6.
The competition is looking for technologies in three areas:
- improving space awareness, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and communications
- new approaches to protecting space-based platforms
- resilience against ground-based electromagnetic threats
UKDI has already supported 19 organisations through earlier Space to Innovate drops, with more than £4.2 million in funding awarded.
The competition will open in two stages. First, you submit a short outline of your idea, and then, if invited, you submit a full proposal with detailed technical, project and finance information.
Read the full competition document before you enter your submission.
The deadline for stage 1 submissions is 28 July 2026.
Interested businesses can join a launch webinar on 8 July 2026, followed by one-to-one sessions on 9 July 2026. Registration for these sessions will be available straight after the webinar.
The Space to Innovate: Delta Drop competition is funded by the UK Space Agency and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
First published 3 July 2026