The UK government is to pledge £2m to fund research into cutting-edge tech projects designed to keep people safe following the recent London and Manchester arena terrorist attacks.
Speaking at a conference today, Security Minister Ben Wallace will say society must come together to defeat terrorism and will announce the government’s plans to tackle the rising threat by funding innovation.
He will add: “In light of the horrific attacks in London and Manchester, the Government has committed to review its counter-terror strategy and further to this I am announcing today that we are making up to £2m available to fund research into cutting edge technology and behavioural science projects designed to keep people safe in crowds.
“The threat from terror does not stand still so neither will we, which is why we are calling on the best and the brightest from the science and technology sector to come forward with their ideas and proposals to support our ongoing work to keep people safe,” Wallace will add.
The competition, ran in partnership with the Home Office and Defence and Security Accelerator, will also receive support from the Royal Society.
Lucy Mason, head of the Defence and Security Accelerator, commented: “The terrible terrorist attacks in London and Manchester shocked and appalled all of us. Protecting people from terrorism is something we can all do, industry and academics and public servants.
“We don’t have all the answers. So we must bring together the brightest minds from the private sector, and academia to help find solutions to help keep our country and people safe and secure.
“The Defence and Security Accelerator exists to help government find and exploit game-changing ideas to help the security services and police stay one step ahead of those who threaten our safety. By funding and fast tracking the development of real solutions, we help to bring the innovation community together, rapidly,” Mason concluded.