HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Hidden stab vests for women
Funding
Contact funder
Deadline
5 November 2026
Location
England
Applications
Deadline: 5 November 2026
Overview
HMGCC Co-Creation wants discreet, stab and slash proof body armour designed specifically for women. Sole innovators, industry, and academic and research organisations of all types and sizes can apply. The total budget is up to £60,000 excluding VAT, and applications close on 5 November 2026.
Requirements to check
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- Designs must be developed specially around female users.
- Protection must be stab and slash proof and must demonstrate effectiveness against bladed weapons.
- Work must reach a minimum of technology readiness level 5.
- Applicants must deliver a swatch of the proposed protective material.
- Applicants must deliver a final report detailing performance, limitations and future development opportunities.
- Applicants must provide at least a roadmap to achieve the Home Office Body Armour standard 2017.
- Solution providers or direct collaboration from sanctioned or embargoed countries are not eligible.
- No security clearance is required.
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
Sole innovators, industry, and academic and research organisations of all types and sizes can apply. No security clearance is required. Solution providers or direct collaborations from countries under UK trade sanctions or arms embargoes are not eligible.
Regions
No published award history for Innovate UK Business Connect. Some funders do not publish their grants data.
Full details from Innovate UK Business Connect
Can you develop discreet, wearable stab-resistant body armour specifically designed for women?
Select 'Find out more and apply' on the funder's page to submit your application. Send any clarifying questions to cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk before the deadline, with the challenge title as the subject.
Loading your grant tools...
Get notified about grants like this
Create a free account to receive alerts when new health & social work funding opens.
Create free accountLast updated: 11 October 2026