Innovate UK (Innovation Exchange)

iX Challenge: Extending Protection to Personnel Travelling in Armoured Vehicles Under Drone Attack

About this grant

Innovate UK Innovation Exchange (iX) challenge set by VSS, a supplier of safety-critical armoured vehicle seating. VSS wants ideas that protect seated personnel in armoured vehicles from drone attacks from above or the sides, extending the blast mitigation of its existing seats without excessive extra weight. Applicants submit a short solution proposal (idea summary, technology readiness and intellectual property) by 5pm on 6 November 2026. Shortlisted applicants pitch to the challenge holder, and the selected solution provider can apply for up to £60,000 of Innovate UK grant funding for a three-month project starting by 1 March 2027 and finishing by 31 May 2027. Successful applicants also get Innovate UK Business Connect and technical support.