QinetiQ to lead new UK maritime defense innovator community

UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has awarded QinetiQ a contract under which the company is to lead a new collaborative enterprise that will simplify maritime research and development for the UK defense ministry.

Under the Progeny Maritime Research Framework contract, QinetiQ will build and manage a community of innovators who will contribute ideas to maximise the impact of science and technology for UK maritime defense.

According to Qinetiq, the community is open to any company, academic institution, or small or medium-sized enterprise whose knowledge, products or services could have applications in maritime defense, including organisations that do not usually work in the defense industry.

Dstl said it is making up to £25m available to the community each year for four years to advance maritime science and technology.

QinetiQ will oversee procurement competition processes on behalf of Dstl, ensuring the framework provides value for money for both Dstl and its community of suppliers. The oversight will ensure competition is conducted in a fair, open and efficient manner, encouraging collaborative working while protecting ownership of intellectual property.

“Dstl are delighted to have a new framework that will enable the best ideas from across the supplier base to be brought together to deliver Maritime research for Government,” Elizabeth Harris, senior responsible owner for the Progeny Framework within Dstl said. “We are looking forward to a vibrant community that challenges our thinking and delivers innovative and cost effective solutions that can be exploited by our Armed Services.”