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Small UK companies are being asked to develop security ideas and products for Britain’s transport sector with an unusually tight deadline. As the geopolitical situation becomes increasingly dangerous, with sabotage to the UK’s physical and cyber infrastructure by countries such as Russia and Iran increasing daily, new security projects are topping the government’s ‘hopeful’ list.

A second cycle of the UK’s Security Open Call has been launched by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI), with the addition of areas focused on by the Department for Transport (DfT) and successful proposals can access funding up to £350,000.

Submissions for stage one have a deadline of 29 October 2026.

Cycle 2 of the Security Open Call is now looking for technologies that can detect threats, improve screening and protect passengers and goods, while keeping the UK moving.

The funding opportunities follow on from Cycle 1, which sought ideas for Home Office and National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) priorities including cyber resilience, border security and protective security technologies. The Department for Transport (DfT) focus areas are a new addition alongside the Home Office and National Protective Security Authority projects.

What innovations

This Open Call is looking for 'innovative' technologies and approaches to areas such as:

• Aviation hold baggage screening.
• Detection of explosive threats in complex freight and large loads.
• Low divestment walk-through people and bag screening.
• Security situational awareness sensor integration with autonomous and robotic platforms.
• Passenger screening - alarm resolution.

Overall, the solutions should improve the detection of malicious threats, support screening operators through automation by exploiting emerging technologies to enhance the security and resilience of the UK’s transport network.

Application process

The Security Open Call uses a two-stage application process to identify promising ideas at pace. Applicants will first submit a Stage 1 overview proposal. Ideas that align well with the Competition Focus Areas, demonstrate a strong chance of successful delivery and meet the customer’s needs will be invited to progress to a full Stage 2 submission.

UKDI’s Innovation Partners are available to support innovators throughout the application process.

Funding available

Successful proposals can be funded up to £350,000. Projects can run for a maximum of 12 months, with an optional testing and trialling phase costed into proposals to extend activity to 18 months.

Submissions to Stage 1 will close at midday on 29 October (GMT). Please see the full competition document for full details of stages and submission dates.

The full competition document can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/competition-document-ukdi-security-open-call-2026-cycle-2

Further information on working with UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-work-with-uk-defence-innovation-ukdi#advice-and-guidance-contact-your-local-innovation-partner