MOD UKDI Competition Launch - £1.5 million for novel ways to model or treat conflict wounds
This UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) competition is run on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Ministry of Defence (MOD) Defence Medical Services (DMS). It is seeking innovations that will improve our understanding of and develop treatment options for conflict wounds. Proposals are invited under two challenges:
- Challenge 1: ‘Modelling conflict wounds’ - improving the availability of biological models in which to study conflict wounding
- Challenge 2: ‘Treating conflict wounds’ - developing logistically light ‘first aid’ treatment options that can be delivered early after injury by medically-trained, non-specialist users in austere operating environments
Please read the competition document in full for all details of the competition scope and challenge areas.
Specifically, the problem area can be broken down into 1) the current lack of effective models available in which to study wound aetiology and test novel therapeutics and 2) the urgent need to develop novel treatments that can lead to lower morbidity and improved outcomes in those patients who sustain complex conflict wounds.
This competition therefore has two challenge areas:
Modelling Conflict Wounds – Relevant models of conflict wounds are essential to advance our understanding of the pathophysiology and infectious aetiology underpinning conflict wounds, and allow us to innovate, develop and test therapeutic and management strategies.
Treating Conflict Wounds – Treatments to maintain tissue viability and reduce infection during protracted evacuation, where there is prolonged, non-specialist field care, are crucial to improve clinical outcomes; early treatment reduces long-term morbidity and improves functional outcome.
Key information:
1)The full details of the competition are here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/conflict-wounds-from-biology-to-battlefield-solutions
2) The competition deadline is 24 March 2026 midday
3) UKDI has a team of locally based Innovation Partners that can provide advice to applicants to this competition.