HADeS Competition 2024

Applications close 13 December

The Department for Transport (DfT) has recently initiated project HADeS (High Assurance Detection Systems) which aims to enhance UK airports’ checkpoint security screening capability. This project will focus on alarm resolution and any operating concept that can enhance the performance of checkpoint systems to screen aviation passengers and their cabin baggage. Up to eight successful applicants will receive funding to develop their ideas during a 6-month programme that will involve business support workshops to address the needs of the cohort, in collaboration with the DfT.

The current cabin baggage screening system largely uses a two-stage primary screening approach provided by computed tomography (CT) or dual-view (DV) X-ray. Where necessary, this is followed by secondary or alarm resolution screening techniques using explosives trace detection (ETD) and liquid explosive detection systems (LEDS). The DfT aspires to ensure that future security checkpoints meet the highest possible threat detection capability while remaining operationally viable.

Current primary screening systems have demonstrated the capability to detect a wide range of threats with operationally viable false alarm rates. This provides an opportunity for alarm resolution screening techniques to be developed further to address evolving threats.

Successful projects could lead to future live demonstrations, create new market opportunities and stimulate economic growth. The competition seeks to further develop a resilient and efficient security ecosystem, ensuring that UK airports are better equipped to detect and deter threats while maintaining efficient operations.

This competition will be providing a total of up to £500k in grant funding, for up to eight organisations, with funding up to £80k available per organisation.

Application Support Webinar

On 26 November, Connected Places Catapult hosted an Application Support Webinar to give applicants the opportunity to find out more about the programme offering, challenges, application process, scoring criteria, and the assessment process.

01

Innovation Funding

Up to 100% funding to develop your innovation

02

DfT Collaboration

Gain insight from policy teams at DfT

03

Business Support

Support from Connected Places Catapult covering a range of business areas including investment readiness

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible, applicants must be:

  • You must be a business of any size or a university/academic institution.  
  • Lead organisations must be UK registered.  
  • If you are applying as a consortium, international partners are welcome, however they can only receive up to 80% of the total grant amount. 
  • Applications from large organisations will be considered, however a clear rationale is required as to why the proposed idea cannot be funded by internal resources and/or R&D budget. You must meet the requirements of our Due Diligence section in your application.  
  • If successful, you must be able to begin your project in March 2025 with a maximum of 6 months duration. 
  • Some travel to meetings and events may be required. 

How to apply

If you have any questions relating to the programme or your application we are hosting two drop-in sessions which you can sign up to below.

Apply through the link below. Applications close 13 December.

Supporting documents

Point of contact

If you have any questions about the programme and application, please contact the Innovation Funding team at innovation_funding@cp.catapult.org.uk