Inviting innovation: HMGCC Top 10 Technologies campaign
Through engagement with researchers, innovators, and industry, the campaign seeks to accelerate the advancement of critical capabilities and maintain the UK’s leadership in security solutions.
The top 10 technologies are:
Edge AI
HMGCC seeks to explore innovative artificial intelligence solutions that are capable of operating efficiently on low-power devices. They are looking for systems that can perform reliably in challenging or hostile environments for extended periods, often with minimal or no connectivity and in a discreet manner.
Quantum sensing
Teams across HMGCC are frequently required to interpret faint or ambiguous signals. Quantum sensing offers capabilities beyond those of traditional sensors, enabling them to enhance the performance of current technologies or realise ideas that were previously unfeasible.
Advanced manufacturing
HMGCC specialises in manufacturing bespoke designs at pace, often in small quantities. The ability to move swiftly from initial concept through to deployment is essential. Manufacturing solutions that enable the fast turnaround of mechanical and electronic components can provide a significant advantage. Technology that protects the integrity and confidentiality of designs is also desirable.
Advanced power sources
HMGCC innovates in battery technology, focusing on power density, charging efficiency, and adaptability. If you are working on something unusual relating to portable power sources, including power harvesting, they would like to hear from you.
Radio frequency signals and antennas
HMGCC is exploring options such as covert and body-worn antennas, camouflage solutions, frequency-agile and wideband antennas, dielectric technologies, metamaterials, and innovative antenna designs that boost system performance while keeping devices compact.
Communication systems
UK national security requires undetectable and secure global communications across various technologies. These must remain discreet and maintain integrity and confidentiality under surveillance. HMGCC is seeking innovative solutions to counter emerging threats.
Detection of security vulnerabilities
HMGCC is seeking tools to help security experts identify vulnerabilities across various platforms, detect supply chain risks, and validate the security of software (source and binary), hardware, and data components.
Identity protection
HMGCC is seeking technologies that protect national security staff identities across physical and digital environments. The growth of smart city infrastructure and connected devices complicates this task, so they require technical solutions for secure identity management amid these networks.
Novel electronics
By applying commercial technologies in innovative ways, HMGCC aims to develop thin, lightweight, and flexible interconnections that can function in challenging environments. They are also seeking to reduce size and power consumption of their products while increasing their performance. They are welcoming applicants to share their tools and technologies for every stage of design, manufacturing, and testing.
Space-based technologies
Space based technology enables access to remote areas and provides unique insights not possible with terrestrial methods. HMGCC is interested in learning about platforms that provide cost-effective space access for the UK, along with capabilities that surpass traditional ground-based solutions.
If you believe your technology could contribute to strengthening our national security and aligns with any of the areas outlined above, HMGCC would like to hear from you. Further details about the campaign and how to apply are available on HMGCC’s website.
Please note: Before submitting an idea consider whether your business development and supply chains are in-line with the National Security and Investment Act and the National Protective Security Authority’s (NPSA) and National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) Trusted Research and Secure Innovation guidance.
