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UK Grants Funding for Advanced Airport Security Tech

The Department for Transport and Connected Places Catapult offer £500,000 to improve automated alarm resolution at airport checkpoints.

The UK’s innovation agency for transport has launched a new funding initiative to accelerate the development of high-assurance detection systems for aviation security.

The programme, led by Connected Places Catapult on behalf of the Department for Transport, provides up to £500,000 to developers of technologies that improve alarm resolution at security checkpoints. The goal is to enhance the capability of UK airport screening while reducing the need for manual bag searches.

Funding is divided into two categories based on the maturity of the technology. The first track provides up to £40,000 for proof-of-concept research and early-stage modeling. The second track offers up to £75,000 for the development of early-stage prototypes tested in simulated environments.

The initiative specifically targets three areas of improvement: expanding the range of detectable threats in cabin baggage, ensuring different screening systems work together cohesively, and optimizing systems to reduce the frequency of false alarms.

This 2026 cycle follows a previous cohort that saw six companies advance their technology readiness levels. By focusing on automated resolution, the program aims to streamline the passenger experience without compromising safety standards.

Applications for the funding are open through June 19.

About the Author

Jesse Jacobs is assistant editor of SecurityToday.com.

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