The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) brings strategic advantage to UK defence and security through science and technology.

Dstl is the Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s science and technology organisation, working collaboratively with our partners in industry, academia and internationally, to provide unique expertise, specialist advice and to deliver battle-winning solutions for the benefit of the nation and allies.
We sustain and grow science and technology capabilities that must remain in government (the UK’s sovereign capabilities), and help develop capabilities that are managed elsewhere, for example, in industry and academia.

Dstl acts as a trusted interface between MOD, wider government, the private sector and academia to help to solve defence and security challenges.

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) finds and funds exploitable innovations which support defence and security faster and more effectively, and seeks to generate economic value for the UK. We are part of the Defence Innovation Directorate in the Ministry of Defence and are co-located with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down. Our vision is for the UK to maintain its strategic advantage over its adversaries through the most innovative defence and security capabilities in the world. We have learned that by reaching out to innovators across the UK and beyond we can encourage and support the brightest and best to put forward feasible ideas to solve our problems. Our refreshed strategy for 2021-2024 builds on our learning as we continue to strengthen and broaden links to innovators across the UK and elsewhere.

Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid from the UK government. We drive productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas, including those from the UK’s world-class research base. With a strong business focus, we drive growth by working with companies to de-risk, enable and support innovation. We connect businesses to the partners, customers and investors that can help them turn ideas into commercially successful products and services and business growth. We fund business and research collaborations to accelerate innovation and drive business investment into research and development. Our support is available to businesses across all economic sectors, value chains and UK regions. Since 2007, we have invested around £2.5 billion to help businesses across the country to innovate, with match funding from industry taking the total value of projects above £4.3 billion. We have helped 8,500 organisations create around 70,000 jobs and added an estimated £18 billion of value to the UK economy. KTN connects ideas, people and communities to drive innovation that changes lives. KTN exists to connect innovators with new partners and new opportunities beyond their existing thinking – accelerating ambitious ideas into real-world solutions. We work in close partnership with Innovate UK and UKRI to support businesses in their innovation journey, including identifying strategic goals and innovation pathways, and deliver a rich annual portfolio of activities at regional, national and global level. We amplify the value and impact of public sector interventions through delivering a rich activity portfolio in support of public sector programmes addressing market and system failures, especially around network failures and information asymmetry. With 200 staff across the UK, deep technical sector expertise, and over 43,000 organisations in our network, we are specialists in creating critical mass by convening innovation communities and transversing traditional sector boundaries. Our team of experienced and trusted experts have unparalleled depth and breadth in their sectors combined with a set of powerful products to assist your organisation to understand complex markets, key technological drivers and potential future issues to give you a distinct advantage whether you are looking to improve your position in an established sector or wanting to seek new opportunities where the road ahead looks promising but confusing. KTN can give you the clarity to progress and succeed.

ADS are proud to represent well over 1,400 members from the UK’s innovative, entrepreneurial and prosperous aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors.

We work with those sectors to secure the UK’s advantage, enhance our international positioning as a go-to destination for innovation and deliver on our sustainable leadership goals.

Whether representing industry, connecting our members with business opportunities or driving forward innovation and growth, ADS is at the forefront of an array of activities, events and programmes that benefit our members.

Women Empowering Defence: A New Era of Strength

In an age where the boundaries of gender are being continually redefined, "Women Empowering Defence" stands as a beacon of progress and possibility. This movement is more than just an initiative; it is a revolution in thought and action. It seeks to dismantle the barriers that have historically limited women’s roles in the defence sector, highlighting their indispensable contributions to national security, peacekeeping, and global stability.

Strength in Unity
At the core of this initiative lies the belief that true strength emerges from unity. When women are empowered to join forces with their male counterparts, the collective power is unmatched. "Strength in Unity" is not just a tagline; it’s a principle that drives the vision of a more inclusive and effective defence force. By harnessing the unique perspectives and skills that women bring to the table, we build a force that is resilient, adaptable, and prepared for the complexities of modern warfare and peacekeeping operations.

Power in Diversity
"Diversity is our strength," they say, and nowhere is this truer than in the realm of defence. The diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints that women bring to the defence sector enhance decision-making processes, foster innovation, and cultivate a culture of inclusivity. "Power in Diversity" underscores the importance of embracing these differences, recognising that a diverse team is a stronger, more agile team—one that can tackle challenges from multiple angles and find solutions that a homogenous group might overlook.

Leading with Purpose
Women across Defence are not just contributors; they are purposeful leaders driving change. Whether on the front lines or in command centres, they consistently prove their strength, courage, and unwavering commitment. "Leadership with Purpose" embodies their determination to lead with vision and intent, inspiring others through their actions and setting new standards for leadership. These women aren’t merely transforming the landscape of defence; they are shaping the future of global security with purpose, redefining what it truly means to lead in today’s complex world.

Together, these principles—strength in unity, power in diversity, Leading with Purpose form the foundation of "Women Empowering Defence." This movement is a call to arms for a more equitable, dynamic, and powerful defence sector, where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every leader—regardless of gender—has the opportunity to rise and shine

AWE Nuclear Security Technologies

For 75 years AWE has had one mission: to play our part in keeping our nation safe. Since the nuclear weapons programme was established at Aldermaston in April 1950, we’ve been steadfast in delivering against that commitment – through brilliant science and technology.

Our role in nuclear defence, as an arms-length body of the Ministry of Defence, is to design, develop, manufacture and maintain the warheads for the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD).

Our Nuclear Threat Reduction (NTR) specialists work with the Government to protect our country from radiological and nuclear threats and our scientists provide expertise to international efforts to monitor the Earth for nuclear testing.

Operating across the UK, we utilise some of the most advanced research, design and production facilities in the world. We are highly skilled individuals, working together in service of our mission to deliver something truly unique.

We are AWE Nuclear Security Technologies.

Delivering a secure future for us all