The UK has launched a new funding programme aimed at accelerating the development of advanced airport security technologies. The initiative, led by Connected Places Catapult on behalf of the Department for Transport, seeks to support innovators working on next-generation screening systems that can improve threat detection, reduce manual checks, and enhance the overall efficiency of airport security operations.
Under the High Assurance Detection Systems (HADeS) 2026 programme, up to £500,000 in grant funding is available for early-stage and prototype-ready projects. The funding is split across two tracks, with smaller grants for feasibility studies and larger support for testing and demonstration of working prototypes in controlled environments. The goal is to help promising technologies move from concept to real-world application in aviation security systems.
The programme focuses on improving alarm resolution at airport checkpoints, particularly reducing the need for manual secondary screening triggered by primary security alerts. Innovators are encouraged to develop solutions that enhance threat detection capabilities, improve interoperability between scanning systems, and optimise overall screening efficiency to reduce passenger delays and operator workload.
Applicants will also gain access to technical expertise and a wider innovation network connected to the Department for Transport and aviation security stakeholders. This support structure is designed to help developers refine their technologies and align them with emerging security standards and operational requirements in the aviation sector.
The initiative builds on previous UK efforts to modernise airport security through innovation funding programmes that aim to balance safety with smoother passenger experiences. It reflects a broader strategy to strengthen national aviation security while supporting research and development in high-impact transport technologies.
