{"id":51802,"date":"2020-07-22T17:45:17","date_gmt":"2020-07-22T17:45:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2020\/07\/22\/us-uk-launch-military-space-competition-for-startups\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T23:44:52","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T23:44:52","slug":"us-uk-launch-military-space-competition-for-startups","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/global\/europe\/2020\/07\/22\/us-uk-launch-military-space-competition-for-startups\/","title":{"rendered":"US, UK launch military-space competition for startups"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

LONDON \u2013 The U.K. and U.S. governments have turned to startups and inventors in a competition to adapt commercial technology solutions to answer pressing challenges in the military space sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two countries have jointly put up \u00a31 million, or $1.3 million, to tap into potential new ideas in six technology areas from small companies, innovators and others around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finalists will face a beauty parade in front of senior British, American and NATO military officials at a space conference scheduled to take place in London in November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Up to 15 proposals will be selected to go forward with further work on what is being called International Space Pitch Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Launching the scheme, the U.K.\u2019s first-ever, recently appointed director for space matters, Air Vice-Marshal Harv Smyth, said the initiative is \u201call about fast-tracking innovation and cutting-edge technology to the front line quicker than ever before, and fresh ways of working with industry to make sure we stay ahead of our shared adversaries and the threats they pose.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smyth will be one of the judges at the conference, which will be held virtually if the live event is cancelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The format will be the first international collaboration of its kind between two allies, the Ministry of Defence said.<\/p>\n\n\n\t