DASA assessed more than three proposals a day (1,172)
from innovators during 2019/2020 with 55 per cent of
all contracts awarded to small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs), according to its third annual
review published today.
The review shows that DASA helped give business and
investment coaching to 15 companies that pitched for
private sector investment of more than £40 million.
The document also identifies key lessons learnt from
the year and what next steps DASA will take.
These include:
- Taking more risks
- Spotting and stopping ideas that are not working
quickly
- Expanding our business mentoring team and services
to help tech start-ups and SMEs attract new funding,
commercialise their ideas and companies, while building
economic growth and prosperity across the country
DASA will also place greater focus on helping
innovative ideas make a difference for the armed forces
and national security world by working closer with
those who ultimately will benefit from and use the new
technology being developed.
The annual review
highlights several case studies of projects funded
through DASA that are already achieving impact,
including in autonomous systems, swarm drones, and
data.
Head of DASA Anita Friend said:
The threats faced by the United Kingdom and our
allies continue to be complex and are intensifying
and evolving at a relentless pace.
Events over the last 12 months highlight the
essential need for novel and innovative approaches if
we are to maintain advantage over those who wish to
cause harm to our country and our people.
But it is perhaps the effects of the coronavirus
pandemic at home that have brought sharp national
focus on the critical need for innovation as we
respond, recover and rebuild from this crisis to
ensure the UK remains a safe and prosperous place to
live.
DASA is at the forefront of this vital effort:
fast-tracking technology from a diverse range of
sources outside of Government to unlock new and
enhanced capabilities while investing in brilliant
and inventive small and medium-sized businesses and
entrepreneurs who are the lifeblood of our economy.
That is why I am so proud of everything our team has
achieved.
Andy Caldwell, who has taken up the role of interim
Head of DASA for the next 12 months, said:
DASA has achieved so much in its first three years
and I am really excited to join and lead this
innovative organisation for the next 12 months.
DASA has a crucial role to play in the future of our
defence and national security and has already got off
to a flyer for the coming year, making major
contributions to the national effort against
coronavirus and launching a major international
collaboration with our United States allies for space
innovation.
DASA is part of the Ministry of Defence and finds and
funds innovations for the armed forces and national
security.
You can view the annual review by
clicking here. It is best viewed using the Google
Chrome browser.
