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South Central Call to Action: Defence & Security Market Readiness

14 September 2026

Registration open until 14 Sept 2026

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Welcome to South Central Call to Action: Readiness for D&S Market Opportunities (South Central Defence and Security Market Readiness) Networking Platform!

This event will bring together UK defence and security stakeholders, SMEs, academic researchers and innovation partners to explore emerging market opportunities and prepare for future collaborative research and development activity. Through key briefings from relevant public sector customers, innovation bodies, delivery partners and sector specialists, delegates will gain a clearer understanding of strategic priorities, operational challenges and capability needs shaping the UK defence and security landscape.

The programme will help SMEs and academic organisations understand how their technologies, expertise and research capabilities can align with future market opportunities, including Innovate UK Collaborative R&D competitions that are yet to be published.

A central feature of the event will be its active and managed approach to collaboration. Delegates will be supported to profile their organisational capability, articulate technical strengths, identify complementary expertise and test the relevance of emerging project ideas against customer and market needs. Structured networking facilitated introductions and thematic discussions will help participants identify credible consortium partners and develop stronger propositions ahead of future funding calls.

The intended outcome is a stronger pipeline of well-aligned, market-informed partnerships ready to respond when relevant Innovate UK Collaborative R&D competitions are launched. By combining strategic briefings with capability profiling and partnership development, the event will support a more connected defence and security innovation ecosystem and help SMEs and academic partners contribute more effectively to national capability priorities.

Why should you create an account?

This platform provides a dedicated space for organisations to:

  • Highlight your capabilities and areas of interest

  • Gain insights to improve your network

  • Identify supporting services and organisations with relevant experience in the sector

  • Meet with peers, collaborators and ecosystem stakeholders

  • Book 1:1 meetings at the event

Any questions?

Please contact the event planner below.

Innovate UK Business Connect

Olivia Brown