Welcome to a December update for registered DASA suppliers within the South East

Welcome to a December update for registered DASA suppliers within the South East. As always, if you'd prefer not to receive these emails, let me know; and if you have SE-based colleagues/contacts who'd be interested, please forward. I’d also be very keen to hear about any networks/events which might help me reach out to new potential SE-based innovators, particular these days when getting out and about is a bit more tricky.

It's been a relatively quiet month in some ways here at DASA; we've not launched any new competitions. Our Market Exploration on "Surgical Instrument Sterilisation in Austere Environments" is open until midday on Tuesday 8th December, and our Open Call is just entering another cycle, due to close on 28th January 2021.  If you have ideas and you're not quite sure if/where they fit, you can submit a light-touch "innovation outline" (instructions here) and I or a colleague will be touch to discuss within 10 days.

There is some bad news - we have regrettably had to close the "Emerging Innovations" stream of the Open Call. The ongoing pandemic and the Integrated Review have necessitated a review of this stream; I hope this situation will develop further soon and any updates will be on the website. You can still submit into the "Emerging Innovations" stream if your proposal relates to one of the current Innovation Focus Areas. This is disappointing news, as I know a number of suppliers were working towards submissions for this stream, but I don't believe that work will be wasted - there may just be a delay before those proposals can be submitted. I'm sorry if you're affected by this - please let me know if you would like to discuss.

Just to highlight a couple of other opportunities to bring to your attention:

1) We are jointly running an event with Innovate UK on Strand 3 of the Innovation Continuity Loans. Strand 3 is targeted at companies that have received innovation project funding from any sources other than Innovate UK, including DASA. If you have received DASA funding and need access to further funding to get through the pandemic, the UK Government, through Innovate UK, is offering Innovation Continuity Loans between £250,000 and £1.6m to micro and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have a challenge in continuing, completing or following on an innovation project. Further information can be found on the Innovation Funding Service website. We're hosting a joint briefing with Innovate UK to explain the Innovation Continuity Loans and how you can get involved on 10th December, 1000-1130.  Register here to secure your place. 

2) Our colleagues at Dstl are trying hard to continue to increase engagement with SMEs. One way they're trying to do this is through "SME Searchlight". I've attached some slides detailing the different ways you might be able to get involved. I don't know a lot about the detail but if you want more information let me know and I can find it.

Thanks for reading, and best wishes for the next few weeks - here's hoping for a less interesting 2021!