Open Call
HMGCC Co-Creation: Smart glasses for mapping
Overview
Can you help defence and security use smart glasses to aid reconnaissance missions?
This is the latest 12-week, funded challenge launched by HMGCC Co-Creation – now open for applications.
The aim of this project is to develop an edge device that can process video and audio and has the ability to stitch together and create high fidelity 3D maps from off-the-shelf smart glasses.
Participants should deliver a demonstrable proof of concept to a minimum Technology Readiness Level 4.
HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads and other indirect expenses for successful applicants.
Technology themes
Applied research, artificial intelligence, computer vision, data science and engineering, information technology, machine learning, modelling and simulation, software development, wearable technologies.
Key information
Total budget (ex VAT), up to: £60,000
Project duration: 12 weeks
Competition opens: Monday 12 October 2026
Competition closes: Thursday 12 November 2026
Context of the challenge
Smart glasses are now commercially available, offering features including integrated cameras, AI voice assistance and heads-up displays.
For security and defence operators, smart glasses could provide a first-person reconnaissance view of a terrain but, for this capability to be used, government would need a robust, secure, and automated software chain able to convert raw sensor streams into 3D geospatial intelligence.
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.
