# UK Defence Innovation Opens Toxic-Gas Detection Competition

On 12 November 2026, UK Defence Innovation opened a two-stage competition on behalf of the Home Office and National Protective Security Authority for toxic-gas detection systems suited to busy public spaces. At least £1 million, excluding VAT, is available for prototype development and demonstration. Solutions must alarm within 30 seconds, be at Technology Readiness Level 4 or higher, and show a credible path to at least TRL 6. UK- and US-registered organisations may apply; Stage 1 submissions are due by 12:00 GMT on 10 December 2026, 27 days from today.

- Eligible companies should assess whether their technology can meet the 30-second alarm criterion and demonstrate a credible progression from TRL 4 to at least TRL 6.
- The two-stage process means successful Stage 1 applicants will be invited to Stage 2; applicants should plan their submission around the 10 December deadline.
- The opportunity is relevant to developers and suppliers of multi-gas detection systems for public-space protective security, with at least £1 million available across the competition.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Public Safety, Defense & Military
**Topics:** Emergency Response
**Published:** November 13, 2026

### Government Entities
- UK Defence Innovation (UKDI)
- Home Office (HO)
- National Protective Security Authority (NPSA)

### Sources
- [On 12 November UK Defence Innovation opened a £1m toxic gas detection competition. Systems must alarm within 30 seconds in busy spaces and advance from readiness level 4 to at least 6. Procurement works better when the test is measurable. https://t.co/XvIp6CAcbn](https://x.com/jeromejacob_/status/2121120902645465237) - twitter-fed-procurement