Navigating the UK Defence Ecosystem: Opportunities for Marine Science and Technology

The Society of Maritime Industries' (SMI) Marine Science and Technology Group (MSTG) is running a seminar to provide a high-level overview as to how non-traditional defence suppliers including SMEs can engage with the UK defence ecosystem, with a particular focus on Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. 

The seminar is being developed with the support of Dstl, who work with a range of suppliers to provide science and technology expertise, insights and solutions to protect the UK’s security and advance the UK’s defence interests. The session will explore how Dstl supports early-stage engagement, collaboration and access to defence customers, where marine science and technology (S&T) capabilities align with defence’s challenges and priorities and how to access MOD funding. 

The discussion will offer a practical overview of how MOD and Dstl think about capability development, evidence, assurance and risk, and how civil and dual-use technologies can transition into defence-relevant applications. 

The aim is not to turn MSTG members into defence primes, but to demystify defence engagement, highlight realistic entry points, and help organisations understand whether, where and how working within the defence ecosystem could make sense for them. 

We aim to have presentations from Dstl, UKDI, the Royal Navy and industry. Further details and registration link will be added shortly. 

The rough agenda is as follows: 

9.30 - 10.00 - Registration and networking

10.00 - 11.45 - Session 1: 

Mark Ward - Strategic Outreach Lead & SME Lead, Dstl

Mike Madden - Local Innovation Partner for South West England, UK Defence Innovation

Hazel Biggs – Knowledge Transfer Manager ‑ Security and Defence, Innovate UK Business Connect

Rocky Moore – Innovation & Growth Specialist, Innovate UK Business Growth

Sharon Jones - Regional Lead, Maritime Enterprise Engagement, Royal Navy 

11.45 - 12.15 - Coffee Break 

12.15 - 13.00 - Session 2:

Joint MOD QinetiQ Test and Evaluation Innovation Gateway - Julie Ashton, QinetiQ

Industry quickfire presentations:

Ryan Mowat, RS Aqua

Nils Coe, Nortek

George Morton, Online Oceans

Nicola Harris, Seiche

Andy Scott, Marine Components International Limited

Sarah Fear – University of Plymouth

13.00 - 14.00 - Lunch 

With thanks to Dstl and Atlas TKMS for supporting this event. 

Register below:

Click here if there is an issue with the registration link.