CDE funds research into novel, high-risk, innovations

The Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE), based at Harwell in Oxfordshire and part of MOD’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), funds research into novel, high-risk, high-potential-benefit innovations.

CDE offers 2 routes to funding – the continuous enduring challenge competition (£3M per year) and a series of themed competitions (around £500,000 per competition) to address particular defence and security challenges. CDE fully funds firm-price research proposals and the intellectual property remains with the originator.

CDE works with the broadest possible range of science and technology providers, and often provides an entry point for those new to defence. CDE aims to remove barriers for SMEs to enter the defence supply chain, providing a vital mechanism for defence to access their fresh thinking and capabilities. Since CDE was established in May 2008, almost half of all funded proposals have been awarded to SMEs. Cambridge Wireless members who have been successfully funded via the CDE mechanism have included Plextek Consulting, TTP group and SQR Systems Ltd.

There is a CDE networking event in London at De Vere Canary Wharf on 9 September 2014. It will include the launch of a themed competition on ‘automating cyber defence responses.’  In addition, Military Advisers and technical experts from Dstl will give an overview of some areas where innovative research ideas are sought for CDE’s ongoing enduring challenge competition.

To find out more go to www.gov.uk/dstl/cde.