Cyber Defence Innovation Challenge | Working with business

Download our flyer For more information, contact Jess Hurrell Nominate your idea for the Challenge

Important Update

The deadline has been extended until March 2023, giving you more time to apply your disruptive research to the challenge!

Pitching on 8 February will be replaced with a Knowledge Day. Here, you'll have the opportunity to drop by and speak to members from Frazer-Nash Consultancy and Dstl to learn more about the proposal and discuss your ideas. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Challege | Introductory Webinar | Knowledge Day | Nominate your idea

Quick update

The deadline for Cyber Defence Innovation Challenge has been extended until March 2023.

Pitching on 8 February will be replaced with a Knowledge Day.

Calling all academics with ideas for cyber innovation in science and technology. Frazer-Nash Consultancy is inviting interest from experts who can support the Defence Science and Technology Lab (Dstl's) Autonomous Resilient Cyber Defence (ARCD) Programme.

All you need to do is apply via the short nomination form and create a 5 minute pitch, then you'll be in with the chance of getting your innovative concept contracted by Frazer-Nash Consultancy!‌

The Challenge:

ARCD is a four-year programme (completing March-25), which aims to develop self-defending, self-recovering concepts for military operational platforms and technologies, with an aspiration to achieve ‘Full Auto’ cyber defence. At the end of year four we will demonstrate an ARCD system integrated into a representative environment under active attack, and in doing so build an enduring capability in the UK to develop and apply research on ARCD, specifically encompassing Cyber and AI skills.

As defence networks and systems are becoming more complex and interconnected to meet operational demands, it is becoming increasingly difficult for cyber defenders to respond effectively to incidents. In parallel, aggressors are adopting increasingly sophisticated approaches and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches to outpace defenders.

Identifying, selecting and carrying out cyber defence responses in a machine relevant timeframe is essential to mitigate these threats. The use of AI and ML techniques are a critical defence against these attacks; research is needed to develop and mature these techniques for Defence.

ARCD is looking to identify truly novel low TRL research areas that take advantage of areas where the UK is, or is poised to be, a world leader. Frazer-Nash is looking to fund research to conduct horizon-scanning to generate a high-risk/high-impact research landscape. Frazer-Nash is looking to engage with a broad range of suppliers and members of the academic community, particularly those with expertise who do not traditionally deliver into defence.

The programme is happy to support people from all areas (research, PhD’s, Post-doctorates, lecturers) with the aim of getting each applicant to pitch their ideas for the opportunity to gain funding.

Introductory Webinar:

This webinar is an introductory session for the Cyber Defence Innovation Challege. We're joined by representatives from Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Dstl, and the University of Exeter, who outline the aims and objectives of the Cyber Defence Innovation Challenge, provide background on the ARCD Programme, and explain your next steps and how to get involved.

For more information on the event, check out the original Eventbrite listing.

Knowledge Day:

Interested in the challenge but want to learn more?

Join us at our Knowledge Day on 8 February! Here, you'll have the opportunity to speak to Frazer-Nash and Dstl representatives, learn more about the proposal, and discuss your ideas.

Date: Wednesday 8 February 2023

Location: WI/CL Computer Lab, SWIOT building, Streatham Campus

Drop in times: 11.30 - 15.00

We look forward to seeing you there!