£60,000 challenge to boost UK network security innovation
HMGCC Co-Creation seeks organisations to develop small, low-power network monitors in its latest cyber security challenge.
Open call: Managing cyber-security risk through network monitoring
HMGCC Co-Creation has opened a new 12-week innovation challenge to develop a small, low-power, low-cost network monitor that can strengthen cyber defences across government and industry.
The programme will fund up to £60,000 (excluding VAT) per organisation to design and demonstrate technology that improves network visibility and allows safe packet modification for penetration testing. Funding covers time, materials, overheads and other indirect costs.
Who can apply
The call is open to sole innovators, businesses, and academic or research organisations of all sizes. No security clearance is required.
What's expected
Applicants are asked to deliver a working demonstrator within 12 weeks. Proposals will be judged on scope, innovation, deliverables, timescale, budget, and team capability. Projects should align with technology areas including cyber security, data analytics, electronic engineering, IT, software development, and telecoms.
The deadline for applications is Thursday 20 November 2025 at 5pm.
A briefing call will take place on 4 November. Full details, including how to register for the briefing and submit proposals, are available on the HMGCC Co-Creation website.
HMGCC Co-Creation is a partnership between HMGCC (His Majesty's Government Communications Centre) and Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory), created to deliver a new, bold and innovative way of working with the wider UK science and technology community.
First published 20 October 2025