Organisations can apply for a share of £25m inclusive of VAT, to develop quantum-enabled systems for positioning, navigation, timing (PNT) and quantum-enabled sensing applications relating to navigation. This is a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition funded by Innovate UK.
The aim of the competition is to deliver quantum-enabled systems for positioning, navigation and timing, and quantum-enabled sensors for navigation applications, such as magnetic or gravity field sensors. This is a single phase competition for quantum-enabled systems and technologies already at an advanced stage of development. Your proposal must be able to demonstrate a credible commercialisation and delivery plan. This competition is not suitable for feasibility studies. In applying to this competition, you are entering into a competitive process. Any adoption and implementation of a solution from this competition would be subject to a separate, possibly competitive, procurement exercise. This competition does not cover the purchase of any solution.
Scope
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are a successful solution for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) applications. Their ubiquity has reduced the market for non-GNSS systems. An exception to this is where GNSS does not clearly meet the market needs, for example, where high levels of integrity are required or GNSS signals are not available. This has meant services such as financial trading and power distribution have become GNSS dependent to the extent, they are now vulnerable to its loss or denial. The market for non-GNSS systems is still limited, and wider adoption is restricted by the lack of data on their performance.
The aim of the competition is to deliver quantum-enabled systems for PNT and quantum-enabled sensors for navigation applications, such as magnetic or gravity field sensors.
Your project must deliver:
- a PNT system that is quantum based
- realistic plans for commercialisation
- capacity for manufacturing at scale
- capabilities to commercialise your solution at the end of the contract period
Your project can focus on one or more of the following:
- quantum technologies for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT)
- quantum-enabled sensing for navigation applications
This can include prototyping, demonstrating, piloting, testing and validation of novel quantum-enabled PNT systems in real-life operating environments or in a setting that serves as a meaningful proxy. The primary objective is to make further technical improvements on quantum-enabled solutions, that would benefit from the acceleration provided by this SBRI contract and be close to deployment at the end of the programme.
Deadline: 11am UK time on Wednesday 12 April 2023.
For more information please visit Innovate UK website.
