Government Innovation Teams

Part of DSIT, this directorate researches and tests the safety of advanced AI systems and their societal impact

Established in 2023, this elite team helps departments harness AI to improve public services and citizen outcomes. Best for: AI deployment in government, technical collaboration

Helps businesses to tackle the most pressing cyber challenges. Best for: Cybersecurity guidance, innovation, technical validation and government collaboration

A NATO-backed initiative offering grant funding, acceleration, and defence adaptation pathways for deep tech innovators. Best for: Dual-use technologies with NATO relevance

A US-based VC investing in deep tech on behalf of US National Security and Defence organisations

Supports commercialisation of deep tech across Allied nations. Backed by 24 NATO allies to secure the future for over 1 billion citizens. Best for: International scale-up, STEM innovation, dual-use tech

An independent R&D funding body making bold bets to amplify the UK’s research ecosystem. Best for: High-risk, high-reward innovation

Ensures government policy is grounded in robust scientific evidence. Works across departments to embed science into decision-making

Provides funding and support across academic and industrial sectors. Sponsored by DSIT. Best for: Early-stage R&D, commercialisation, academic-industry partnerships

A Home Office unit tackling public safety and security challenges through cutting-edge digital and data solutions. Best for: dual-use companies wanting to work across the public sector

An MoD-sponsored agency driving scientific and technological advances in defence and security

A collaborative innovation programme that brings together industry, academia, and government to tackle National Security engineering challenges

UKDI bring defence and security innovation together to move ideas rapidly from concept to frontline and stay ahead through continual technological advantage. By backing the high‑growth, high‑tech UK defence firms of the future and supporting start‑ups and scale‑ups, UKDI boosts national security while making defence an engine for growth. Find out more: www.gov.uk/UKDI.