Open Call
HMGCC Co-Creation: Multi-terrain micro robotic systems
Overview
Can you develop a miniature and highly agile uncrewed robotic system capable of operating seamlessly across water, land and air?
This is the latest 10-week, funded challenge launched by HMGCC Co-Creation – now open for applications.
Robotic platforms moving discreetly through complex built environments may need to switch between different routes and modes of travel. For example a robot might travel through water infrastructure, move across ground through confined spaces and then fly to reach a stairwell or elevated area.
We are aiming to fund several ambitious proof-of-concept demonstrations exploring how future robotic systems could combine different types of mobility to access places that conventional uncrewed systems cannot reach.
HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads and other indirect expenses for successful applicants.
Technology themes
Applied research, artificial intelligence, electronic engineering, machine learning, mechanical engineering, robotic and autonomous systems, uncrewed aerial systems.
Key information
Total budget (ex VAT), up to: £60,000
Project duration: 10 weeks
Competition opens: Monday 12 October 2026
Competition closes: Thursday 12 November 2026
Context of the challenge
Entering and exiting buildings discreetly to conduct reconnaissance missions is a key requirement for national security and defence organisations. Uncrewed vehicles offer a safer, more discreet alternative to deploying human personnel.
However, buildings often contain complex infrastructure that is difficult to access and navigate, especially for robots limited to a single mode of movement. Ground robots often struggle with vertical obstacles, stairs and gaps. Aerial systems can reach elevated areas but may have limited flight time and are easier to detect. Maritime systems work well in water but cannot easily move into buildings or across dry terrain.
Emerging technologies now make it possible to combine multiple mobility methods into a single robotic platform, opening up access routes that were previously unavailable to uncrewed systems.
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 12 November 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.
