HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Multi-Terrain Micro Robotic Systems

Summary of Challenge

Can you develop a miniature and highly agile uncrewed robotic system capable of operating seamlessly across water, land and air? This is the latest 10-week, funded challenge launched by HMGCC Co-Creation – now open for applications.

Robotic platforms moving discreetly through complex built environments may need to switch between different routes and modes of travel. For example a robot might travel through water infrastructure, move across ground through confined spaces and then fly to reach a stairwell or elevated area.

We are aiming to fund several ambitious proof-of-concept demonstrations exploring how future robotic systems could combine different types of mobility to access places that conventional uncrewed systems cannot reach. HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads and other indirect expenses for successful applicants.

Context of Challenge

Entering and exiting buildings discreetly to conduct reconnaissance missions is a key requirement for national security and defence organisations. Uncrewed vehicles offer a safer, more discreet alternative to deploying human personnel. However, buildings often contain complex infrastructure that is difficult to access and navigate, especially for robots limited to a single mode of movement. Ground robots often struggle with vertical obstacles, stairs and gaps. Aerial systems can reach elevated areas but may have limited flight time and are easier to detect. Maritime systems work well in water but cannot easily move into buildings or across dry terrain. Emerging technologies now make it possible to combine multiple mobility methods into a single robotic platform, opening up access routes that were previously unavailable to uncrewed systems.

The gap

We want to explore a single, small, robotic system that can move effectively between water, land, and air and navigate through confined infrastructure. This involves significant challenges in:

Combining multiple modes of movement in one system

Miniturisation

Environmental robustness

This challenge seeks to assess the feasibility of such systems and identify the most promising technical approaches for future development.

Dates

Competition opens: Monday 12 October 2026

Clarifying questions deadline: Thursday 22 October 2026

Clarifying questions published: Thursday 29 October 2026

Competition closes: Thursday 12 November 2026

Applicants notified: Monday 23 November 2026

Pitch day: Monday 7 November 2026

Pitch day outcome: Tuesday 8 November 2026

Commercial onboarding begins*: Wednesday 9 December 2026

Target project kick-off: January 2027

*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 >>