The Ministry of
Defence’s very own ‘Dragon’s Den’ has received its 1,000th
equipment proposal as defence researchers share their ideas to
help frontline troops.
The Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE) was set up 18 months ago
to harness and fun cutting-edge ideas that could be used in defence.
So far over 150 proposals have been given research funding from
the Centre for Defence Enterprise, with more than 60 per cent of
those funded coming from small and medium-sized enterprises.
Projects that have benefited from CDE funding include:
* D30 Labs, based in Hove – awarded £96,000 to develop its shock
absorbing material for troops’ helmet lining.
* Bubblephone,
based at the Innovation Centre of the University of Sussex –
awarded £49,000 for its C-THRU technology. The technology
establishes and maintains network connections irrespective of
environmental changes by being aware of the environment and
adapting itself to ensure the best signal is kept. It also
priorities communication traffic so urgent messages always get
through. It could be in use with future Bowman Communications
Systems.
* Pneumacare, based in Duxford, Cambridgeshire –
awarded £48,000 for proof of concept research into video-analysis
technology to monitor lung function in a non-invasive way during
the casualty’s transportation. The initial CDE contract allowed
the company to attract seven times the contract value in private
investment.
Minister for Science, Defence Acquisition and Reform, Lord
Drayson, said:
“The Centre for Defence Enterprise has proved to be a great
success. Innovation is the key to our success on the battlefield.
We need to embrace novel, technologically-advanced ideas to
provide our forces – both now and in the future – with the very
best kit.
“Threats to our troops are always evolving and we need to exploit
new and emerging technologies that are already being researched
and used by small and medium-sized businesses, talented
individuals and academia.”
Head of the Centre for Defence Enterprise, Dr Helen Almey, said:
“The very fact we have received our 1,000th research proposal
demonstrates how well the Centre for Defence Enterprise has been
embraced by small and medium companies looking to win defence contracts.
“Our task is to anticipate, prepare for and meet the forthcoming
challenges by being highly innovative, agile and flexible in our
approach to defence science and technology. We can only do this by
actively seeking novel and exciting ideas and contributions from
across industry, academia and other enterprises.”
Proposals to the Centre for Defence Enterprise are submitted
electronically through www.science.mod.uk.
002/2010
Notes to Editors:
1. For further information and pictures contact Sonia Marshall at
the MOD Press Office on 0207 218 3258 or email sonia.marshall571@mod.uk.
2.
The Centre for Defence Enterprise is based in Harwell,
Oxfordshire, where seminars are held for potential suppliers of
new technology in a variety of different fields.
3. The Centre
for Defence Enterprise also goes on tour with a number of regional
events held around the UK to talk to suppliers who are unable to
travel to Oxfordshire.
4. One-to-One surgeries are also
available to enable staff at the CDE to have in-depth discussions
on proposals and ideas to improve understanding and access to the
Ministry of Defence to people who would not normally interact with defence.
Contacts:
Ministry of Defence
NDS.MOD@coi.gsi.gov.uk