Open Call
HMGCC Co-Creation: AI-enhanced x-ray imaging for bomb disposal
Overview
Can you develop a machine learning-enabled solution that helps engineers identify, characterise, and understand electronic components using only x-ray images?
To safely disarm explosive devices, skilled operatives sometimes use x-ray images to identify the electronic trigger and disarm it. However, this is difficult with complicated circuits and when the images are not clear.
This is a 12-week funded challenge. Applicants must deliver a demonstrator at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 within the project period.
HMGCC will provide funding for time and materials, overheads, and other indirect expenses for successful applicants.
Technology themes
Applied research, artificial intelligence, computer vision, data science and
engineering, machine learning, non-destructive testing, software development.
Key information
Total budget (ex VAT), up to: £60,000
Project duration: 12 weeks
Competition opens: Monday 28 September 2026
Competition closes: Thursday 29 October 2026
Context of the challenge
Bomb disposal is dangerous work undertaken by military and policing agencies among other government organisations. A key part of the process to safely disable a suspected explosive device while limiting physical contact, is using x-ray images to identify the electronic components that make up the switching mechanism designed
to detonate a suspected explosive device.
This task can be further complicated by the presence of tripwires, anti-tamper mechanisms, and other countermeasures that may trigger the device if disturbed.
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
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 29 October 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.
