Open Call
Automated audio capture and transcription for Defence wargaming
Overview
Can you help us build a system to automatically capture audio and transcribe conversations and decisions in the rapid pace and high-pressure environment of a wargame?
HMGCC Co-Creation is launching a challenge in collaboration with jHub, the central innovation hub for UK Defence’s Cyber & Specialist Operations Command.
In an increasingly uncertain world, the Ministry of Defence is increasing the frequency and intensity of training exercises. This includes wargaming: a scenario based model in which the outcome and sequence of events affect, and are affected by, the decisions made by the players.
To modernise, improve data capture and increase pace of analysis, the conversations and decisions made during wargames need to be recorded, automatically transcribed and made easy to analyse.
HMGCC Co-Creation are launching this 12-week challenge to develop a full system including all hardware and software, to a proof of concept with minimum Technology Readiness Level 6, to automatically transcribe conversations.
HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads and other indirect expenses for successful applicants.
Technology themes
Acoustics, artificial intelligence, app development, audio, data analytics, digital services, information technology, machine learning, software development, systems engineering.
Key information
Total budget (ex VAT), up to: £60,000
Project duration: 12 weeks
Competition opens: Monday 11 May 2026
Competition closes: Thursday 11 June 2026
Context of the challenge
HMGCC Co-Creation and jHub, working with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) are seeking solutions to modernise wargaming. Wargames are a crucial exercise for commanders, used for both training and evidence-based analysis.
Wargames are scenario-based warfare models, where outcomes and events affect, and are affected by, the decisions made by players. These exercises train players to evaluate situations and make decisions faster, and allow post-game analysis to deliver evidence-based observations.
A wargaming event may have anywhere from 10 to 100 personnel, using a variety of different methods and technologies. A typical format is a structured tabletop exercise, sometimes played on a physical board or via an interactive digital interface. These events take place within a classified environment to protect sensitive information.
Central to the wargame is the analysis of the data captured during play. Part of this data is the transcript of discussion, assumptions and the reasoning behind decisions taken. This is analysed afterwards so that lessons can be learnt to improve decision making and to validate or disprove hypotheses.
See https://cyberandspecialistoperationscommand.blog.gov.uk/2024/03/19/8-facts-to-level-up-your-knowledge-on-wargames/ for more information.
This challenge, launched by HMGCC Co-Creation, seeks a full solution to automatically capture and transcribe conversations within a classified wargame scenario.
Who should apply?
This challenge is open to sole innovators, industry, academic and research organisations of all types and sizes. There is no requirement for security clearances.
Solution providers or direct collaboration from countries listed by the UK government under trade sanctions and/or arms embargoes, are not eligible for HMGCC Co-Creation challenges.
Competition opens
Briefing Call
Clarifying questions deadline
Clarifying questions published
Competition closes
Applicant notified
Pitch day
Pitch day outcome
Commercial onboarding begins*
Target project kick-off
*Please note, the successful solution provider will be expected to have availability for a 1-hour onboarding call via MS Teams on the date and time specified to begin the onboarding/contractual process.
Application process
Applications close 11 June 2026
Please find details on how to apply, as well as more information about the challenge, here.
Supporting documents
HMGCC Co-Creation supporting information
HMGCC works with the national security community, UK government, academia, private sector partners and international allies to bring engineering ingenuity to the national security mission, creating tools and technologies that drive us ahead and help to protect the nation.
HMGCC Co–Creation is a partnership between HMGCC 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. We bring together the best in class across industry, academia, and government, to work collaboratively on national security engineering challenges and accelerate innovation.
HMGCC Co-Creation aims to work collaboratively with the successful solution providers by utilising in-house delivery managers working Agile by default. This process will involve access to HMGCC Co-Creation’s technical expertise and facilities to bring a product to market more effectively than traditional customer supplier relationships.
