Open Call
Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Component Detection in Hold-Baggage Screening: Expression of Interest
The Department for Transport (DfT) is inviting expressions of interest from organisations with technologies, expertise or practical approaches that could improve Improvised Explosive Device (IED) component detection in UK hold-baggage screening.
By sharing your ideas, you can help DfT understand the solutions available, identify potential barriers and shape future programme activity. Successful expressions of interest will also be invited to join the ASIP cluster, creating opportunities to connect with potential partners, build collaborations and establish valuable relationships ahead of a potential future application stage.
Overview
The Department for Transport (DfT) is inviting organisations with relevant technologies, expertise or practical insight to help shape the next stage of work on IED component detection in UK hold-baggage screening. This expression of interest offers an early opportunity to present an existing idea, capability or approach directly and influence the design of a potential later application stage. Please view the ‘Eligibility’ tab for a full list of sought solutions.
This Expression of Interest (EOI) is an initial market-engagement exercise. Responses that are gathered will help DfT assess market interest, understand available capabilities and barriers, and shape the questions and intended outputs for a potential later application stage.
Successful expressions of interest will be invited to join the ASIP cluster, providing opportunities to find and engage with potential partners and make valuable connections ahead of the programme application period.
Why is this important?
Explosive Detection Systems are designed to identify potential explosive material in hold baggage. Improving the ability to identify relevant components associated with a potential threat could provide further information to support detection and decision-making. This may involve new algorithms, software or other capabilities that work with existing screening equipment, but it also raises practical questions about data, testing, certification, system interfaces, false positives and airport operational processes. Progress is therefore likely to require input from equipment manufacturers, technology developers, airports, testing organisations and government. This opportunity will help DfT understand existing capability, identify barriers to deployment and explore practical routes towards testing and operational use.
What is the ASIP Cluster?
The Aviation Security Innovation Programme Cluster brings together aviation security stakeholders to support longer-term policy and technical priorities. Managed by Connected Places Catapult on behalf of the Department for Transport, it provides a structured route for industry, airports, government, academics and other specialists to share expertise, respond to challenges and develop practical ideas together.
The Cluster supports DfT-led workstreams in hold-baggage screening (HBS), cabin-baggage screening (CBS), and testing and certification (T&C). It helps turn workstream priorities into targeted discussions, calls for input and opportunities for collaboration. Its wider purpose is to improve understanding between government and industry, help organisations navigate practical and regulatory barriers, and support the progression of new technologies and approaches for aviation security.
Who should apply?
Both UK and international organisations are welcome to express their interest, provided that their proposed idea or capability is relevant to UK aviation hold-baggage security screening. Organisations may respond individually, or as consortia, and may also identify areas where further collaboration would help. Academics affiliated to a university and sole traders are also eligible to apply.
Where an idea relates to or interfaces with technological solutions, that technology should have been principally validated in a relevant environment.
We welcome expressions of interest covering one or more of the following areas:
- Existing solutions: Technologies, algorithms, software or capabilities that could be used to improve IED component detection in hold-baggage screening.
- System interfaces: Approaches that could complement or interface with existing Explosive Detection Systems.
- Access barriers: Ways to overcome barriers involving access to data, images, equipment, test facilities or operational environments.
- Testing and evidence: Proposals for practical testing, evidence gathering or credible routes towards laboratory testing or operational trials.
- Certification and assurance: Approaches to testing, certification or assurance that could support the deployment of new or existing solutions.
- Policy and regulation: Solutions to regulatory, policy, governance or compliance barriers.
- Processes and skills: Improvements to operational processes, system interfaces, workforce capability or skills.
- Operational solutions: Ideas that address the practical effects of introducing additional detection capability, including airport processes.
- Collaboration: Joint approaches involving airports, OEMs, software or algorithm developers, testing organisations, researchers or other specialists.
The opportunity is not intended for purely speculative research or the initial development of a new capability. Expressions of interest should relate to aviation hold-baggage security screening in the UK and point towards a practical route forward, rather than only describing an unresolved problem.
Expressions of interest opens
Expressions of interest closes
Expressions of interest review
Successful organisations notified
Collaboration workshop held
Announcement of next steps
Application process
Applications are open until midnight on 21 October 2026
Submit your expression of interest below using our short form. Early submissions are welcomed, and the ASIP team can respond to questions about the opportunity through the contact details below
If you have any questions, please contact the ASIP Team at ASIPCluster@cp.catapult.org.uk
Funded by
