LTPA enhanced to unlock SME access and boost innovation

Above: Steve Wadey and Cathy O’Carroll (QinetiQ) with Droneworks and DSEI.
Courtesy QinetiQ

SMEs, who are key to accelerating research, development and innovation in defence will now pay significantly less to access technical expertise and test ranges.

The changes form part of QinetiQ’s commitment to transform the delivery of mission-critical T&E capabilities to enhance operational readiness of the UK and allied nations. The new T&E Innovation Gateway will reduce the barriers to access that have made it difficult for SMEs to take advantage of the UK’s world-leading T&E capabilities delivered by QinetiQ on behalf of the MoD.

In an ever-evolving threat landscape, the rapid acquisition of technology is vital to ensure the UK and allied nations have operational advantage to achieve mission success. SMEs and non-traditional defence companies have a critical role to play in helping bring disruptive technologies from concept to reality, at pace.

The cost reductions, together with QinetiQ’s investment in the new T&E Innovation Gateway, will encourage more innovators to come forward with solutions that can be put rapidly through their paces so that relevant capability can be accelerated to support frontline operations.

QinetiQ has built a team that is dedicated to supporting SMEs, helping them to access test and evaluation expertise, identify suitable ranges and facilities and secure the right approvals to facilitate rapid solution development and testing in realistic operational environments.

Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said: "This Government wants more SMEs to benefit from the historic uplift in defence spending. To make defence an engine for growth, we need more SMEs to access the facilities to get their technology to the frontline. This investment is a big step forward and demonstrates our commitment to SMEs who play a vital role, not just in defence, but also in supporting the wider UK economy."

Steve Wadey, Group CEO, QinetiQ, said: "More than ever, SMEs are key to accelerating the pace of innovation across defence and we want to help them bring their technologies to the frontline. Our investment in the T&E Innovation Gateway will not only provide easier access to our expertise and the facilities we operate, it will reduce costs, enabling more companies to develop and test their products in realistic operational scenarios, boosting defence innovation and economic growth in the UK."

Recently, QinetiQ has been supporting SMEs with the development, rapid proto-typing and evaluation of new Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) and Counter UAS (C-UAS) technologies through the company’s DroneWorks test capability.

More information about the T&E Innovation Gateway and how it can support SMEs is available at: https://www.t3e.uk/en/services/test-and-evaluation-innovation-gateway