HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Hidden Stab Vests for Women

Summary of Challenge

Can you develop discreet, wearable stab-resistant body armour specifically designed for women?

Officers working in close protection units need to stay unseen and blend into the crowd, but they also need to protect themselves against possible attack. In this challenge we are focusing on finding the best hidden stab vests for women working in these jobs.

We are interested in technologies, materials and garment designs that could provide effective protection against sharp bladed weapons, developed to a minimum technology readiness level 5 and designed for women from the outset.

HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads and other indirect expenses for successful applicants.

Context of Challenge

Close protection officers who are charged with protecting VIPs from potential threats need to keep a low profile. Personal protection equipment, specifically stab and slash proof body armour is a necessity. It must not draw attention, restrict movement or interfere with the officer’s ability to blend into professional and social settings.

The commercial market has many protective garments available for men, designed around male body shapes but, whilst some options exist for women, female officers are still reporting compromises in comfort, fit, concealability and wearability.

The gap

Current protective garments are often made of plated material or woven aramid fibres. Although more body armour for women has appeared on the market in recent years, further solutions are still needed in the area of ultra low-profile and discreet stab vests to wear under clothing. Challenges faced include excessive bulk beneath lightweight clothing, reduced comfort during extended wear, restricted mobility and compromised fit for female users.

There is a need for innovative protective solutions that balance discreet appearance, user comfort and protection against edged weapon threats, while meeting the Home Office Body Armour standard 2017 or equivalent.

Dates

Competition opens: Monday 5 October 2026

Clarifying questions deadline: Thursday 22 October 2026

Clarifying questions published: Thursday 29 October 2026

Competition closes: Thursday 5 November 2026

Applicants notified: Monday 16 November 2026

Pitch day: Thursday 26 November 2026

Pitch day outcome: Monday 30 November 2026

Commercial onboarding begins*: Friday 4 December 2026

Target project kick-off: December 2026

*Please note, the successful solution provider will be expected to have availability for a one hour onboarding call via MS Teams on the date specified to begin the onboarding/contractual process.

Clarifying questions or general requests for assistance can be submitted directly to [email protected] before the deadline with the challenge title as the subject. These clarifying questions may be technical, procedural, or commercial in subject, or anything else where assistance is required. Please note that answered questions will be published to facilitate a fair and open competition.

Eligibility

This challenge is open to sole innovators, industry, academic and research organisations of all types and sizes. There is no requirement for security clearances. Solution providers or direct collaboration from countries listed by the UK government under trade sanctions and/or arms embargoes, are not eligible for HMGCC Co-Creation challenges.

How to Apply

Please submit your application on the HMGCC Co-Creation website. Any queries please email [email protected] and [email protected].

All information you provide to us as part of your application will be handled in confidence.

Applications must be no more than six pages or six slides in length. HMGCC Co-Creation reserves the right to stop reading after six pages if this limit is breached. The page/slide limit excludes title pages, references, personnel CVs and organisational profiles.

There is no prescribed application format, however, please ensure your application includes the following:

Applicant details: Contact name, organisation details, and registration number

Scope: Describe how the project aligns to the challenge scope

Innovation: Describe the innovation and technology intended to be delivered in the project, along with new IP that will be generated or existing IP that can be used

Deliverables: Describe the project outcomes and their impact

Timescale: Detail how a minimum viable product will be achieved within the project duration

Budget: Provide project finances against deliverables within the project duration

Team: Key personnel CVs and expertise, organisational profile if applicable

Challenge Documents

Full Challenge Document >>

Terms and Conditions >>