DASA and AWE have unveiled the AWE – Advanced Electronics and Electromechanical Devices competition, offering £4 million over two years. This initiative aims to bolster the resilience and reliability of the UK’s Defence and Commercial Space Systems through innovative technological solutions.
Competition Details
The AWE – Advanced Electronics and Electromechanical Devices competition is now open for submissions. Funded by AWE, the competition allocates a total of £4 million for Phase 1 over the next two years, including VAT.
Interested parties must submit their proposals by midday on Tuesday, 10th December 2024 (GMT) via the DASA Online Submission Service, which requires an account for entry.
Challenge Areas
Participants are invited to address four critical challenges within the space domain:
- Power and Data Transfer Across Closed Metal Barriers
- Robust Semiconductor Switching for High-Voltage Applications
- Low Delta-T Thermo-Electric Generation
- Low Drift Inertial Sensors
These areas are pivotal for enhancing the UK’s capabilities in both defence and commercial space operations, ensuring systems remain resilient and reliable under various conditions.
Eligibility and Submission Process
To qualify, applicants must present novel solutions that can benefit end-users in the UK Defence, Security, and Commercial air and space sectors. Proposals should demonstrate innovative approaches to the outlined challenge areas.
Submissions can be made through the DASA Online Submission Service, where applicants need to create an account and follow the detailed submission guidelines provided in the full competition document.
Economic and Technological Impact
The competition is set to drive significant advancements in technology, directly impacting the UK’s national security and commercial space operations.
By fostering innovation in these critical areas, the initiative aims to enhance the resilience of space systems, ensuring they remain reliable even in times of tension. This, in turn, supports the broader goal of maintaining the UK’s sovereign capabilities and securing its national infrastructure.
Statements About the Competition
Anita Friend, Head of DASA, emphasized the competition’s importance:
“Sourcing and supporting innovation is crucially important to the security of our nation. This competition represents the next step in our collaboration with AWE, and we look forward to seeing what novel innovations emerge to address the challenges in the space domain.”
Lucy, Group Leader Engineering at AWE, added:
“This competition will enhance AWE’s capability in UK defence, security, and commercial air and space domains, helping to keep our nation safe while investing in UK business.”
Supporting Events and Resources
To support applicants, DASA and AWE are hosting several events:
- Launch Webinar: A dial-in session on Tuesday, 22nd October, providing detailed insights into the problem space and an opportunity to ask questions. Interested participants can register here.
- One-to-One Sessions: A series of 15-minute teleconferences on Monday, 28th October, and Tuesday, 29th October. These sessions allow applicants to ask specific questions and receive tailored guidance. Registrations are available on the respective Eventbrite pages.
Background and Importance
The space domain has been identified by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) as a critical national infrastructure sector for the UK. Enhancing the resilience and reliability of operations within this domain is essential, especially during periods of tension.
Many technological advancements in the defence sector transition into the commercial space sector, driving innovation and ensuring the UK maintains a competitive edge.
Prospects
The AWE – Advanced Electronics and Electromechanical Devices competition will drive transformative change in the UK’s technological landscape. The competition tackles key space challenges, developing resilient and reliable space systems for enhanced national security and capability.
This initiative not only supports national security but also fosters commercial growth, positioning the UK as a leader in space technology.
Food for Thought
DASA and AWE launch AWE competition to secure UK’s Defence and Commercial Space Systems through innovative electronics solutions.
The £4 million investment fosters technological innovation and reinforces the UK’s commitment to robust infrastructure in critical sectors.
Sources: THX News, Defence and Security Accelerator & Atomic Weapons Establishment.
