AI and National Security: Unlocking Innovation Through Smarter Support
Guest blog by Sammy Harris, Azure apps & AI lead Regulated industries at Microsoft #NatSec2025
Sammy Harris
Azure apps & AI lead Regulated industries , Microsoft
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of national security, offering powerful tools to tackle challenges across physical safety, counterterrorism, economic resilience, and cyber defence. From real-time threat detection to predictive analytics, AI is enabling faster, smarter decision-making across the board.
In cities across the UK, AI-powered surveillance systems are already enhancing public safety by identifying unusual behaviour in real time. In counterterrorism, machine learning models are helping to spot patterns in communications that could indicate emerging threats. Meanwhile, AI is playing a growing role in economic security—detecting fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes that undermine national stability.
A PwC report estimates AI could add up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. For the UK, this represents not just economic opportunity, but a strategic imperative to lead in AI innovation—especially in areas critical to national security.
Cutting Red Tape: Making Innovation Easier for UK Startups
Despite the promise of AI, many small and mid-sized UK companies face significant hurdles when trying to contribute to national security. Complex procurement processes, opaque funding routes, and a lack of visibility into government needs often leave innovative firms on the sidelines.
To truly unlock the UK’s potential, we need to remove these barriers. That means streamlining procurement, simplifying access to funding, and creating more agile, transparent partnerships between government and industry.
Organisations like the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) have made progress by actively scouting for promising technologies and offering fast-track funding. But more can be done. For example, HMGCC’s Co-Creation Space is a brilliant initiative—but rather than waiting for companies to come knocking, it should be proactively identifying high-potential UK startups and offering them support. This kind of outreach could be a game-changer for small firms with big ideas.
Backing British AI: From DeepMind to Synthesia
The UK is home to some of the world’s most exciting AI companies. From DeepMind’s breakthroughs in machine learning to Synthesia’s innovations in synthetic media, British firms are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Smaller players like Faculty, Tractable, and Mind Foundry are also making waves in areas like defence, insurance, and public safety.
These companies—and many others—could play a vital role in national security if given the right support. That means not just funding, but access to testbeds, data, and real-world challenges where their technologies can make a difference.
Quantum and Beyond: Preparing for the Next Frontier
Looking ahead, quantum computing is poised to reshape national security in profound ways. Quantum encryption could secure sensitive communications, while quantum sensors might revolutionise submarine detection and seismic monitoring. But the same technology also poses risks—such as breaking today’s encryption standards.
The UK is already investing in this space through the National Quantum Technologies Programme, but as with AI, success will depend on collaboration. Government, academia, and industry must work together to ensure the UK stays ahead of the curve.
A Smarter, More Agile Security Ecosystem
National security is no longer just about boots on the ground or firewalls at the border. It’s about building a flexible, forward-looking ecosystem that can adapt to emerging threats—and seize new opportunities.
That means empowering small companies, cutting red tape, and making government funding more accessible and proactive. It means recognising that innovation doesn’t always come from the usual suspects—and being ready to back bold ideas wherever they come from.
By doing so, the UK can not only strengthen its security but also cement its position as a global leader in AI and emerging technologies.
techUK’s National Security Week 2024 #NatSec2024
The National Security team are delighted to be hosting our annual National Security Week between Monday, 22 January 2024, and Friday, 26 January 2024.
techUK’s National Security programme leads the debate on emerging technologies which present opportunities to strengthen UK national security. Through a variety of market engagement and policy activities we assess the capability of these technologies against various national security threats. Visit the programme page here
HMGCC Co-Creation Security Challenges
HMGCC Co-Creation is a partnership with DSTL (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory), created to deliver a new, bold and innovative way of working with the wider UK science and technology community. We bring together the best in class across industry, academia and Government, to work collaboratively on National Security Engineering challenges and accelerate innovation. Co-Creation is the front door to the HMGCC technology eco-system.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Prior to joining techUK, Raya worked in Business Development for an expert network firm within the institutional investment space. Before this Raya spent a year in industry working for a tech start-up in London as part of their Growth team which included the formation and development of a 'Let's Talk Tech' podcast and involvement in London Tech Week.
Raya has a degree in Politics and International Relations (Bsc Hons) from the University of Bath where she focused primarily on national security and counter-terrorism policies, centreing research on female-led terrorism and specific approaches to justice there.
Outside of work, Raya's interests include baking, spin classes and true-crime Netflix shows!
Associate Director, Defence and National Security, techUK
Fred Sugden
Associate Director, Defence and National Security, techUK
Fred is responsible for techUK's activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working to provide members with access to key stakeholders across the Defence and National Security community. Before taking on the role of Associate Director for Defence and National Security, Fred joined techUK in 2018, working as the Programme Head for Defence at techUK, leading the organisation's engagement with the Ministry of Defence. Before joining techUK, he worked at ADS, the national trade association representing Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space companies in the UK.
Fred is responsible for techUK’s market engagement and policy development activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working closely with various organisations within the Ministry of Defence, and across the wider National Security and Intelligence community. Fred works closely with many techUK member companies that have an interest in these sectors, and is responsible for the activities of techUK's senior Defence & Security Board. Working closely with techUK's Programme Head for Cyber Security, Fred oversees a broad range of activities for techUK members.
Outside of work, Fred's interests include football (a Watford FC fan) and skiing.
Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Francesca Richiusa
Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.
