Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) showcases innovation at DSEI 2025
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-19)

DASA demonstrates commitment to defence and security innovation through major competition launch and industry engagement

- DASA’s Novel Technology for Intervening in Non-Compressible Haemorrhage competition launched during DSEI opening keynote
- Innovator pitches held for the Support to Operations event, demonstrating high sector engagement
- UKDI announced £1.5 million investment for Regional Defence and Security Clusters over next 2 years
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) demonstrated its important role within UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025, showcasing exciting innovations and strengthening innovator engagement.

New competition launch addresses critical battlefield medical challenge

Minister of State, Lord Coaker, officially launched the Novel Technology for Intervening in Non-Compressible Haemorrhage (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-dasa-themed-competition-novel-technology-for-intervening-in-non-compressible-haemorrhage) competition during DSEI’s opening keynote. This £1.5 million competition seeks innovative medical device technologies to treat non-compressible haemorrhage, a leading cause of preventable battlefield deaths as well as in the civilian world. The initiative highlights DASA’s commitment to developing life-saving technologies for on the battlefield and beyond.

Strong industry engagement drives innovation forward

DASA’s Innovation in Support of Operations (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/innovation-in-support-of-operations-phase-2-cycle-6-is-now-open) competition team hosted a successful event, bringing together cutting-edge Innovators with key defence stakeholders. With over 100 applications for just 20 available pitch slots, the overwhelming response demonstrated the sector’s appetite for collaboration and innovation.

The forum provided innovators with dedicated 15-minute sessions to present their technologies, receiving direct feedback and guidance from MOD and DASA representatives. The event generated promising connections and fresh ideas, with plans already underway for similar regular sessions.

Regional investment strengthens UK defence capabilities

UKDI announced a significant £1.5 million investment over 2 years in Regional Defence and Security Clusters (RDSCs). Speaking to over 100 industry and defence representatives, officials outlined how this investment will foster collaboration across sectors and ensure innovation reaches where it is most needed.

RDSCs help bring our world-leading primes together with our innovative SMEs and start-ups, academia, and local and devolved government to solve the military capability challenges we face. UKDI will work closely with the Regional Defence and Security Clusters to foster collaboration across sectors and ensure innovation is delivered where it’s needed most.

AUKUS partnerships drive Electronic Warfare innovation

UK-funded suppliers from DASA’s Electronic Warfare (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/aukus-electronic-warfare-challenge-competition-document/aukus-electronic-warfare-challenge-competition-document) competition presented their innovations on the AUKUS stand, demonstrating the collaborative nature of the AUKUS partnership. The presentations attracted significant interest, with packed attendance highlighting the importance of electronic warfare capabilities in modern defence.

DASA-funded suppliers demonstrate commercial success

DASA’s exhibition stand, which also hosted the Futures Lab team, featured innovative technologies from NW PRO (https://www.nwpro.biz/), a DASA-funded supplier specialising in airport scanning technologies to improve security. Their presence highlighted the practical applications of DASA’s investment in UK innovation.

Jay Richards, Managing Director, NW PRO said:

“Joining the DASA stand at DSEI was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our AI-driven NexuSec platform and SensorSync digital-twin technology to a new market sector. We currently work heavily in high-security applications, so the natural alignment with defence was clear, and the feedback we gained from this audience was invaluable. The conversations helped us explore how our solutions can extend into new horizontals, while reinforcing their relevance for mission-critical environments. Overall, it was a great experience to connect, share ideas, and demonstrate how AI and digital twins can transform security and defence operations.”

In addition to NW PRO, over 50 DASA-funded suppliers had stands at the event, demonstrating the breadth and success of DASA funding. Several suppliers announced significant commercial developments, including new product launches and major contract signings, highlighting the real-world impact of DASA’s investment in UK innovation.

One significant milestone was achieved when Uplift360 (https://www.uplift360.tech/), originally funded by DASA to develop body armour recycling technology, signed a major contract with Babcock to recycle Typhoon jet components. This expansion from their original DASA project demonstrates how DASA funding enables companies to scale and diversify their capabilities across the defence sector.

Sam Staincliffe, Co-founder of Uplift360 Said:

“Signing this agreement with Babcock at DSEI marks an epic step forward for Uplift360 — one made possible by DASA’s early belief in our work. From concept to commercial traction, their support helped us prove that circular innovation in advanced materials isn’t just viable — it’s vital to building a more resilient defence supply chain.”

International stakeholders from Australia, Canada, Belgium, Singapore, and Eastern European countries also visited DASA’s exhibition stand, showing considerable interest in the organisation’s rapid funding model and innovative approaches to defence challenges.

The event reinforced DASA’s position as a key driver of defence innovation, connecting breakthrough technologies with operational requirements and supporting the growth of the UK’s defence industrial base.