£1m Innovation Fund Launched To Aid Military's Coronavirus Response

A £1 million fund to "fast-track innovation" and help the Armed Forces in the fight against coronavirus has been launched by the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA).

It aims to discover an "idea or novel approach" that could boost the Ministry of Defence's capabilities amid the coronavirus outbreak or other similar future threats, DASA said.

“Innovators and industry have stepped-up to the plate with a remarkable response to the coronavirus outbreak," said Director of Defence Innovation, Clare Cameron.

"This investment will unleash the power of innovation to rapidly help us in the national effort against Coronavirus.”

The funding is a new part of DASA's 'Open Call for innovation' programme. 

The application process will close at midday on 15 April, however, DASA will continue to consider proposals after the closing date.

Successful proposals are expected to be chosen this week with trials and assessments starting soon after.

The announcement comes as manufacturers from across the UK, including defence firm BAE Systems, join forces in a bid to increase the production of ventilators in response to the pandemic. 

More than 2,600 military personnel are currently deployed on UK coronavirus-related taskings. 

Cover image: Soldiers help build NHS Nightingale in London (Picture: MOD).