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Dstl to look at increased SME spending

Land February 11, 2020

Dstl is expected to highlight increased SME spending this year at Venturefest 2020.

Dstl Chief Executive Gary Aitkenhead will explore recent increases in SME spending when he speaks at this year’s Venturefest. This year (2019/20) Dstl has already committed to spend £41 million on research directly with SMEs, up from £38 million last year.

Dstl places around 26% of its outsourced research with SMEs and the aspiration is to continue to increase this percentage. At Venturefest Dstl will be exhibiting some of its work with industry, such as a scale model of the MAST (Maritime Autonomous Surface Testbed) boat.

Gary Aitkenhead said: “This will be my first visit to Venturefest and I am looking forward to discussing how Dstl can work even more closely with SMEs and businesses in the region.”

Dstl: Official partner of DPRTE 2020.

There will also be a Dstl talk on the innovative development of synthetic biology for the sustainable manufacture of products, such as medicines, materials, foodstuffs and fine chemicals, to meet the present and future needs of society. Dstl and DASA (Defence and Security Accelerator) representatives will be available to discuss collaboration and funding opportunities and Dstl’s Searchlight initiative to attract non-traditional suppliers to work with the defence community.

Venturefest will be held on Friday 27 March at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton and was developed by Carswell Gould, Solent LEP, Innovate UK, the Knowledge Transfer Network, University of Portsmouth, Southampton City Council, Solent University, The University of Southampton, Portsmouth City Council, and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. The event aims to bring together suppliers and industry as well as showcasing the latest technology and features workshops, guest speakers, and demonstrations, tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/venturefest-south-2020-vfs20-festival-of-innovation-tickets-58429530298.

Defence Online is the official media partner of DPRTE 2020. To book your exhibition or sponsorship package please contact the team today on 0845 270 7066 or exhibitions@dprte.co.uk

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Dstl Event finance funding Gary Aitkenhead SME Suppliers

Post written by: Vicky Maggiani

Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.