The Ministry of
Justice has up to £950,000 to invest in innovative
projects that help to tackle the presence of drugs, drones and
mobile phones in UK prisons.
Innovative ways of detecting contraband
The presence of contraband and illegal items in prison is a major
issue that has been regularly highlighted in the media.
In response, the Ministry of Justice is seeking projects that can
demonstrate innovative ways of detecting at least one of the
following:
- mobile phones and SIM cards, including phones with very low
metal content
- illegal substances, particularly in very small quantities
- other contraband, including tobacco, alcohol, weapons and
explosives
- drones
Projects must aim to detect contraband in one or more of a number
of circumstances including on people, concealed inside the body,
in bags, in buildings, at entry and exit points, in vehicles, and
in open areas.
A 2-phase opportunity
Funding for projects is under SBRI (Small Business Research
Initiative) and will be in 2 phases.
Phase 1 will allow a number of organisations to develop and
explain concepts. The best ideas will receive funding in phase 2
to develop them into a working prototype.
- the competition opens on 18 September 2017, and the deadline
is at midday on 1 November 2017
- up to £500,000 is available for phase 1 projects. These
should have costs of up to £50,000 and last 4 to 6 months
- up to £450,000 is available to develop the best ideas from
phase 1 into working prototypes
- any organisation that can demonstrate a route to market for
its idea, working alone or in partnership with others, may apply
- successful projects will attract 100% funded development
contracts
- a briefing event will be held in October
