OUR INNOVATION WORK

Join our innovation platform

We combine our open innovation approach with a community of fast-growth startups to help enterprises and the Government unlock the potential of technology. Since 2017, Plexal has delivered over 50 innovation projects, supporting over 500 startup growth journeys.

Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR)

The Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) focuses on cutting-edge research, strategic alignment with national objectives and a commitment to social value and inclusivity.

AI Security Challenge

Plexal is seeking innovative companies operating at the intersection of cyber security and artificial intelligence (AI).

Airbus Space Accelerator

The Airbus Space Accelerator is an exciting opportunity for startups, SMEs and academics to move their product closer to minimum viable product (MVP) and directly benefit from Airbus Defence and Space’s extensive space heritage and technical expertise.

CyberBoost: Catalyse

CyberBoost supports cyber security companies at various stages of their growth to develop, validate and scale their solutions from Singapore. CyberBoost: Catalyse will enable startups to use Singapore as a catalyst for scaling – and is now accepting applications.

Cyber Runway

Cyber Runway is the cyber accelerator for entrepreneurs, startups and scaleups.

Image of phone in a hand with a "no signal" warning written on the screen

Challenge: Compact, low-cost GNSS simulator

HMGCC Co-Creation is seeking Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) simulators to support testing of multiple communication systems at the same time.

Data logging in extreme temperatures challenge cover image

Challenge: Data logging in extreme temperatures

The latest HMGCC Co-Creation challenge, which seeks solutions to ensure data loggers can continue to operate, even at high temperatures.

[Challenge Suspended] Challenge: Reducing DNA contamination risk in forensics work

Techniques to cut the risk of DNA contamination are being sought in the latest challenge launched by HMGCC Co-Creation.

HMGCC Co-Creation thumbnail for personal electronic device detection challenge

Challenge: Personal electronics detector to stop data leak risk

Detectors to spot hidden phones, smart watches or other electronic devices are sought in the latest challenge launched by HMGCC Co-Creation.

Challenge: Tracking solution for alternative positioning, navigation and timing (PNT)

Challenge: Tracking solution for alternative PNT

Tracking solution for alternative positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) are being sought in the challenge
released by HMGCC Co-Creation.

Surveillance challenge using edge AI

Surveillance solutions using edge AI are being sought in the latest challenge
released by HMGCC Co-Creation.

Miniaturised Detectors Sought to Spot Drones Challenge

Miniaturised detectors to spot drones are being sought in the latest challenge
released by HMGCC Co-Creation.

Rapidly Deployed Tech to Track Intruders Challenge

Intruder monitoring systems that can
be easily and quickly deployed by non-technical staff are being sought in the latest challenge
released by HMGCC Co-Creation.

Futures Lab ISR Challenge

Plexal is working with Futures Lab to explore how UK industry might innovatively contribute to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mission outcomes.

NW CyberCom

We’re on the search for individuals from all backgrounds to bring their diverse ideas, approaches and research to the table to tackle some of the most important cyber security challenges facing the North West region and the UK at large.

Printed Circuit Board Assurance Challenge

In its latest challenge, HMGCC Co-Creation wants organisations to get involved in a five-month project, developing ways to robustly assure printed circuit boards (PCBs). The innovative methods used need to image and verify the complete manufactured PCB stack-up, providing assurance they will function where and when they are most needed.

Secure Speech Challenge

In its latest challenge HMGCC Co-Creation wants to hear from organisations and individuals who are experts in materials capable of providing a high level of acoustic dampening or reflection.

Underground Tunnelling Techniques Challenge

Underground tunnelling presents an array of opportunities and challenges, so the MoD would like to know how technologies and capabilities in this area could be better harnessed for future operations.

NCA seeks emulated phone technology to help combat crime

In its latest challenge, HMGCC Co-Creation wants to hear from organisations which have an emulated phone solution to potentially help the NCA in its future work.

AI / Novel Technology Red Agent Penetration Testing

In the latest challenge launched by HMGCC Co-Creation, applications are being invited from organisations which work with AI or novel technologies in penetration testing.
The type of testing being undertaken is to expose specific vulnerabilities – known as red agent penetration testing.

Cutting eavesdropping risks using AI challenge

HMGCC Co-Creation wants to hear from organisations developing artificial intelligence / machine learning techniques that provide advanced noise cancellation to help us understand what is now possible and to test in a government office scenario.

Use of AI in Screening Individuals of Interest

HMGCC Co-Creation is offering to fund organisations for this 12-week feasibility project to show how AI tools can assist with screening and support the national security mission.

Supply Chain Security Challenge

We’re looking for providers with capabilities to improve supply chain visibility and help organisations to understand the cyber risk associated with their third-party, fourth-party and common suppliers.

HMGCC Accelerate

Technology startups are being invited to take part in a new enterprise offering the chance to accelerate breakthrough products with support from engineering experts at His Majesty’s Government Communication Centre (HMGCC).

NCSC For Startups

An initiative created to develop solutions to our most pressing security challenges with Plexal and the NCSC.

SIS Technology Challenge

Plexal is a key partner for the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) – also known as MI6 – as part of the SIS Technology Challenge

Venture Creator square showing UCL at Here East

Venture Creator Programme

Venture Creator, part of Future Industries Demonstrator led by SHIFT, accelerating London businesses to build products to tackle the climate crisis.

Secure Connected Places

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is collaborating with Plexal on the second (beta) phase of a research project focused on the cyber security of connected places, also known as smart cities. Applications for local authorities to join the beta phase of testing are now open.

eSim Reader Challenge

We are interested in developing innovative technology to approximately TRL 5 or 6, that can take an IMSI reading from an eSIM device (device agnostic) without taking collateral information.

Covert Evidential Footage

We are seeking one or more Solution Providers to propose on the covert evidential footage challenge.

Dashcam Interruption Challenge

In this challenge, there is the requirement to develop a technical solution to rapidly disrupt or prevent recordings at pinch point entrances and exits of secure facilities.

DiSH

Plexal is delivering the three-month DiSH Accelerator, which will provide Greater Manchester-based digital security and cyber companies the tools to achieve growth.

Mapping Industrial Assets in a Complex Environment

We are seeking one or more Solution Providers to propose on the mapping industrial assets in a complex environment challenge.

Long Distance Wifi Challenge

We are seeking sole innovators and organisations of all types and sizes to propose on the long distance wifi challenge.

Scaleup Programme

Supporting scaleups nationwide to solve society’s challenges. Applications open.

CyberASAP Pathfinder

CyberASAP Pathfinder is a three-day bootcamp for academics, providing the necessary guidance and support for researchers to commercialise their ideas.

CyberASAP Industry Challenges

CyberASAP Industry Challenges is a dual programme that moves your cyber security idea out of the lab, into the commercial market and aligns it to industry demand.

Product Builder Programme

Product Builder fits around the busy lives of budding entrepreneurs, teaching you how to develop, test, validate and evolve a digital product.

Product Growth Programme

Our Product Growth Programme is designed to support 25 innovative founding teams in their journey to build high potential product-led businesses.

Intelligent Surveillance Trigger Challenge

We are seeking one or more Solution Providers to propose on the intelligent surveillance trigger challenge.

AWS European Defence Accelerator

Plexal is delivering the AWS European Defence Accelerator. We are seeking startups that can address and deliver mission-critical solutions for land, air, maritime, space, or cyber domains

Challenge – Transfer data to multiple nodes

Transfer data to multiple nodes challenge

We are seeking one or more Solution Providers to propose on the transfer data to multiple modes challenge.

Grown in Cheltenham

Cheltenham startups: fast-track your business with six months of tailored support.

Grown in Hackney

Hackney startups: fast-track your business with six months of free, tailored business support.

UK Gulf Women in Cybersecurity Fellowship

The FCDO, NCSC, Plexal and PGI are supporting and empowering female cyber security professionals through the fellowship programme.

UK-Oman Cyber

Cyber Oman is a three-year project created by the UK Oman Digital Hub, focused on creating a cyber secure ecosystem of SMEs and upskilling the Omani workforce in cybersecurity.

North Yorkshire Cyber Security Network

Plexal is collaborating with several partners to support citizens and SMEs across North Yorkshire

AWS Healthcare Accelerator

Plexal is working with AWS on their Healthcare Accelerator: Global Cohort for Workforce to find innovative startups that can close the gap on workforce issues in healthcare using new technologies

Condensation Removal Challenge

We are seeking one or more Solution Providers to propose on the Condensation Removal Challenge.

Airborne DNA Collection Challenge

We are seeking innovation solutions for airborne collection of DNA.

Seeing in the Dark

Protecting security cameras from IR sources with His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre.

Cyber Runway Ignite

The Cyber Runway Ignite is an accelerator programme designed for high-potential cyber security founders to scale their startups to new heights and unleash their leadership potential with a bespoke, highly tailored package of support.

ELIEZ

We created LORCA: a cybersecurity ecosystem that connects startups, scaleups, academics, investors, platforms, the government and industry from around the world.

CCAV Secure Connected Transport Challenge

Inviting the UK’s tech innovators to develop solutions to pressing security challenges with Plexal, the NCSC & our partners.

IBM Challenge

The Mission Technology Integrator is a fair way for the private sector to co-create technology the UK needs most.

Innovate Oman

Boost digital skills, support entrepreneurship and grow Oman’s tech ecosystem.

Lloyds Banking Group and VIVIDA

Uncovering a new way to deliver cyber training.

London Roadlab

Our innovation team delivered the London RoadLab mobility innovation accelorator for Transport for London over 10 weeks in 2019.

LORCA

Helping the most innovative UK startups scale, connect and solve the big cyber challenges.

OpenDoor

We’re inviting the UK’s technology innovators to develop solutions to our most pressing security challenges with Plexal, the NCSC and our partners.

Privacy-enhancing technologies

We’re inviting the UK’s technology innovators to develop solutions to our most pressing security challenges with Plexal, the NCSC and our partners.

Rapid Innovation Accelerator

Plexal’s worked with UK innovators to support Oman with pandemic-related challenges.

Telecoms Challenge

Plexal is working with SMEs, the government and industry leaders to diversify the UK’s telecoms market and uncover the role of SMEs.

Innovate UK Scaleup Pilot

We worked with Innovate UK to scale materials, manufacturing, mobility, clean growth and infrastructure systems companies.

Accessible Instruments Challenge

Plexal’s virtual accelerator saw teams co-create solutions to make music more accessible.

Get in touch if you’re ready to do things differently and we’ll build a solution that’s tailored to your needs.

Start innovating

WHO WE WORK WITH

We’ve worked with some of the most influential government departments and global tech companies.

OUR INNOVATION WORK

WHO WE WORK WITH

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