Defence: Innovation
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what funding he is providing for defence innovation partnerships with (a) universities and (b) SMEs.
Answered by Luke Pollard
As of 1 July 2025, the new innovation body – UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) – has launched within the Ministry of Defence to harness UK ingenuity and boost military technology
UKDI has brought together previously separate innovation organisations including the Defence and Security Accelerator, the Defence Innovation Unit, Command Innovation Hubs, and Future Capability Innovation, to create a streamlined system that enhances collaboration across defence, security, academia, industry, and international partners.
With a ringfenced annual budget of at least £400 million, UKDI will serve as an engine for growth in the defence, security, and dual-use technology sectors.
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