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Search begins for innovations that can enhance airport security
Funding and support are now available to businesses and academics with ideas to further improve threat detection at airports.
14.11.24 LONDON, Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport, and place leadership, has today announced the opening of applications for a new High Assurance Detection Systems (HADeS) competition. Delivered by the Catapult on behalf of the Department for Transport (DfT), the competition is setting out to find new technologies to enhance alarm resolution and any operating concept that can further develop UK airports' checkpoint security screening capability. It will make up to £500k available to innovators through DfT’s Grant Funding Agreement with the Catapult.
Applications are welcomed across two tracks, which correspond to a solution’s technology readiness level (TRL).
Track 1 - Emerging Security Innovations (TRL 2-3)
Grants of up to £45k are available for emerging security innovations at the early stages of development. In this track, the programme team is looking for long-term solutions for airport security detection systems, including concepts which offer the checkpoint of the future, post ‘Next Generation Security Checkpoint’ (NGSC), such as integrated primary and secondary screening.
Track 2 - Evolving Security Innovations (TRL 4-5)
Grants of £80k are available for evolving security innovations that are more developed. In this track, proposals should focus on medium term solutions, such as those that can be further developed to become part of any potential NGSC mid-life upgrade.
Expressions of interest (TRL 6+)
In addition, there is an opportunity for innovators with solutions developed beyond TRL 5 to express an interest for support for innovative concepts that offer nearer term solutions. These could include enhancements to current NGSC equipment, providing an increased ability for threat detection. Attractive propositions will be considered by DfT separately.
Across tracks 1 and 2, up to eight projects will be selected to develop their ideas during a 6-month programme. Alongside grant funding, the programme will provide tailored business support workshops delivered by experts at the Catapult in collaboration with DfT. It is envisaged that successful projects could lead to future live demonstrations, create new market opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
“The safety of passengers is our top priority, and that’s why we’re investing in competitions like this, to support innovators to develop the robust screening technology needed for the future.
“Working with the Connected Places Catapult, we intend to strengthen UK airport security even further, so that we can all continue to travel with peace of mind.”Aviation, Maritime & Security Minister, Mike Kane
“This competition seeks to further develop a resilient and efficient security ecosystem, ensuring that UK airports are equipped to detect and deter future threats while maintaining efficient operations.
“If you have a solution that could help upgrade current security systems or deliver the next generation of checkpoints, I encourage you to apply.”Erika Lewis, Chief Executive at Connected Places Catapult
Prospective applicants have until 5pm on 13 December 2024 to apply.
