Centre for Defence Enterprise opens

The Centre is a new initiative that is modelling itself on commercial science parks and incubators, bringing together inventors, investors, entrepreneurs, and academics to develop new technologies and turn ideas into cutting edge reality.

Attendees at today's launch seminar were challenged to come up with innovative solutions to address some of the issues facing soldiers on current operations, including how to reduce the weight of personal kit and increase soldiers' mobility through new technologies.
Attending the launch of the CDE, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Baroness Taylor, said:

"The Centre for Defence Enterprise is about tapping into the UK's best talent to develop the next generation of military technology for our Armed Forces. It is an exciting opportunity to expand the MOD's science and technology supplier base for defence.

"We are looking for the innovative solutions and technology that will provide our front line with the battle-winning edge."

Building on the success of the Grand Challenge and Competition of Ideas, the Centre for Defence Enterprise will look for innovative proposals, the best of which will be taken forward as research contracts to produce the next generation of military equipment and technology. It also seeks to stimulate wider entrepreneurial interest in the defence sector.

Applicants will submit proposals for assessment and the Centre for Defence Enterprise will support those ideas that have the potential to meet current and future operational requirements. The aim is to capture these ideas and develop them into solutions that can be quickly applied to the frontline.

Innovators will be invited to regular seminars showing them what defence is looking for, further opening up communication of MoD's science and technology requirements.

Based in Harwell, Oxfordshire, and within the recognised Oxford-London-Cambridge ‘Golden Triangle' for private investors, the centre further delivers on commitments made in the Defence Industrial Strategy and the Defence Technology Strategy to engage with a wider supplier base.