In addition to financial support, the programme will offer the firms tailored business workshops
Passengers travelling through UK airports could soon enjoy quicker, smoother journeys, thanks to new investment in smart screening technology announced by the Department for Transport (DfT) on Monday, 18 March 2025.
As part of the initiative, six British technology firms will receive a combined Euro 450,000 in funding to develop advanced security scanning systems aimed at improving threat detection while minimising false alarms and manual checks. The goal is to enhance security standards while reducing delays and inconvenience for passengers.
The selected companies, located across the country from Tewkesbury to Cambridge and Nottingham, will focus on refining screening technologies to streamline airport security processes. This effort is part of a broader push to ensure the long-term growth and competitiveness of the UK’s 20 billion aviation sector, while also contributing to local job creation and skills development.
In addition to financial support, the programme will offer the firms tailored business workshops. These sessions, delivered by experts from Connected Places Catapult in partnership with the DfT, will cover topics such as technical challenges, corporate finance, regulations, trial design, and understanding customer needs.
Commenting on the announcement, Aviation Minister Mike Kane said:
“Safety is our top priority and this funding will strengthen the UK’s already rigorous security standards, bolster our competitiveness internationally and ensure that passengers can continue to fly with ease of mind.
As part of our Plan for Change, we are turbocharging investment in the aviation sector and going further and faster with expansion plans to kickstart economic growth and deliver high-skilled jobs across the country.”
Connected Places Catapult, which has previously led successful initiatives like the Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme, is serving as the delivery partner for this project. The organisation is tasked with driving innovation across the UK transport sector.
Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at Connected Places Catapult, emphasised the broader benefits of the scheme, stating:
“Making transport efficient, inclusive and safe is a key priority for Connected Places Catapult. By supporting innovators with ideas to further strengthen security at airports, not only are we helping to improve the passenger experience, but we are also supporting companies to develop and scale here in the UK.”
Sam Pollock, Director at Iconal, one of the companies receiving funding, welcomed the government’s support:
“DfT’s HADeS innovation grant funding is a great example of government working with SMEs such as ourselves to accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies, supporting the UK’s world-class aviation security industry.”
The programme highlights the government’s continued focus on modernising aviation infrastructure while fostering home-grown innovation and economic growth.
