FAQ - International Space Pitch Day

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can l contact for further questions regarding application submissions and/or general questions?

For all questions regarding application requirements or just general inquiries please reach out to the Defence and Security Accelerator (accelerator@dstl.gov.uk ) via email. Please be sure to include a link to your company's website, a brief description of the technology you are working on, and anything else you think we may need to know so that we can better assist you.

Is the International Space Pitch Day limited to companies located in the United Kingdom and the United States?

The competition is not limited to startups headquartered in the US or the UK, however, we ask you to confirm that your company is not headquartered in, does not manufacture in, nor has associated researchers from, any of the following countries: Republic of Cuba, Islamic Republic of Iran, State of Libya, Syrian Arab Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Republic of the Sudan, Federal Republic of Somalia.

What should we do if we believe our technology is applicable to multiple challenges?

We welcome proposals that are applicable to multiple challenges – just be sure to be clear about which challenge(s) you are addressing.

What should we do if our technology may not fit exactly in any challenge statement but we still believe that we would provide value to the event?

Proposals that do not clearly meet at least one of the challenge statements are unlikely to be successful under this competition. However, if you feel your idea could still benefit the defence and/or security of the UK, please consider submitting a proposal to the DASA Open Call for Innovation. Before submitting a full proposal, you may wish to speak with a DASA Innovation Partner about your idea. To do this you can submit an Innovation Outline through our submissions service.

Can applicants submit more than one application?

Yes, applicants can submit proposals for different solutions.

Is there a specific Technology Readiness Level being looked for in these challenges? How developed or early stage should applicants be?

There is no specific Technology Readiness Level requirement desired for this challenge. We encourage startups to apply that have novel ideas to benefit users working in UK MOD and US DOD. Your proposal should include evidence of:

• Theoretical development and/or methodological advancement which can demonstrate
clear commercial-military dual-use
• Innovation or a creative approach
• Clear demonstration of how the proposed work applies to the chosen challenge and user narrative.

Are the Challenge Webinars open to anyone or must we apply before being able to attend the webinars?

The Challenge Webinars are open to all! Feel free to attend any and all of the webinars you are interested in.

Is there a TRL requirement for submitting a proposal for any of the challenges?

DASA welcomes all good ideas. We are expecting a proposal that demonstrates how the £53k would be utilised over 3 months to develop an existing commercial solution into a dual-use technology that solves one or more of the six challenges. Although there are no stringent TRL restraints, the £53k maximum contract award suggests that a limited level of development will be required to develop any mature products you may have into solutions for our defence customers.

Is there any proposal template with specific questions and evaluation criteria that needs to be addressed within the submission?

When submitting a proposal via the DASA Submission Service, the supplier will be invited to provide evidence that the proposal fulfils our baseline
assessment criteria: desirability, feasibility, and viability. Further information on this is found on the DASA Challenge website.

You must complete all sections of the online form, including a Project Plan and Finance Schedule.

All information on this can be found in the competition document, and you will be prompted to provide all relevant information during the submission process.

What is the scope that can be anticipated for the £53k maximum contract award?

DASA is expecting a proposal that demonstrates how the £53k would be utilised over 3 months to develop an existing commercial solution into a dual-use technology that solves one or more of the six challenges. The proposal must include a project plan and delivery schedule, plus written demonstration that the solution is desirable for the customer, technically feasible, and financially viable. The final deliverable will be a report that fully demonstrates the planned transition path.

It is not expected that you will build a project in this scope.

Will there be more International Space Pitch Day Events, and how can I become involved in the future?

That is our plan! Whether you represent an allied government organization or want to submit your interest in applying for future activities, please register your contact details here to learn more as soon as we announce.

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