- UKDI has launched a brand new Themed Competition: Map the Gap (Phase 3)
- Funded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)
- Up to £2 million (excluding VAT) funding available
- Competition closes noon 16 June 2026
UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) is happy to launch a brand new Themed Competition known as Map the Gap (Phase 3) . Run on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) in partnership with the British Army, this competitors seeks proposals that may remotely assess terrain stability and riverine measurements to assist protected and speedy traversing of land forces.
This competitors builds on analysis carried out in earlier ‘Map the Gap’ competitors phases with a concentrate on accelerating novel sensing applied sciences deployed autonomously. Proposals are sought to develop programs towards two main challenges:
- Measurement of Ground Bearing Capacity (GBC) from an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS)
- Underwater river profiling from UAS deployed sensors or payloads
Learn the full details of these challenge areas in the competition document.
Key dates and funding
The deadline to submit a proposal is 12:00 noon 16 June 2026 (BST)
The whole funding for this competitors is £2 million (excluding VAT), with UKDI anticipating to fund 3 to 4 proposals throughout each challenges for a contract interval of up to 15 months.
Do you have a solution? Read the full competition document and submit a proposal.
Background
When traversing unstable terrain, Royal Engineer reconnaissance groups should assess whether or not the bottom and riverine environments are appropriate for the protected passage of autos by way of a sequence of measurements. Currently, these measurements are taken in particular person exposing troopers to hazard. This competitors builds on classes discovered beneath the earlier DASA competitors “Map the Gap”, which demonstrated clear potential for distant and autonomous programs to cut back danger to personnel.
Get the full detail and submit your solution here.
Supporting occasions
Launch webinar: 5 May 2026
This launch webinar will present additional element on the issue area and an opportunity to ask questions in an open discussion board. If you desire to to take part, please register on the Eventbrite web page.
One-to-one periods: 13 May and 15 May 2026
A sequence of 15 minute one-to-one teleconference periods, providing you with the chance to ask particular technical questions to the competitors group in a closed discussion board.
Registration for these periods shall be available the day after the launch webinar on 5 May 2026, on the Eventbrite web page. Booking shall be on a primary come first served foundation.
Non-technical questions concerning the competitors course of ought to be despatched to the UKDI Help Centre, [email protected].