Open Call
HMGCC Co-Creation: Imaging hidden objects in walls
Overview
Could your technology help reveal hidden objects concealed in walls, ceilings and floors?
This is the focus of the latest funded challenge launched by HMGCC Co-Creation, which is seeking imaging technologies able to prevent unwanted surveillance.
The tech solution should be able to uncover covert devices in the periphery of rooms, but without damaging walls.
The team is particularly interested in non-ionising radiation imaging techniques, such as portable terahertz or millimetre-wave systems. Successful solutions should aim to achieve a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 demonstrator within 12 weeks.
HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads and other indirect expenses for successful applicants.
Technology themes
Antennas, applied research, data science and engineering, electronic engineering, electro-optic, non-destructive testing, quantum technologies, radio frequency science and engineering, software development.
Key information
Total budget (ex VAT), up to: £60,000
Project duration: 12 weeks
Competition opens: Monday 10 August 2026
Competition closes: Thursday 17 September 2026
Context of the challenge
Protecting sensitive locations from surveillance is an important national security requirement. Security professionals use a range of techniques to identify hidden devices that could be used to capture conversations, images or communications.
One method is to inspect walls, ceilings and floors for hidden equipment without damaging the building. Existing approaches, such as x-ray imaging, can be effective but are often large, heavy and require additional safety controls due to their use of ionising radiation.
This challenge seeks alternative approaches that can provide useful imaging capability whilst being more portable and easier to deploy.
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
10am, link here
Clarifying questions deadline
Clarifying questions published
Competition closes
Applicants 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 17 September 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.
