HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Smart Glasses for Mapping

Summary of Challenge

Can you help defence and security use smart glasses to aid reconnaissance missions?

This is the latest 12-week, funded challenge launched by HMGCC Co-Creation – now open for applications.

The aim of this project is to develop an edge device that can process video and audio and has the ability to stitch together and create high fidelity 3D maps from off-the-shelf smart glasses.

Participants should deliver a demonstrable proof of concept to a minimum Technology Readiness Level 4.

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

Context of Challenge

Smart glasses are now commercially available, offering features including integrated cameras, AI voice assistance and heads-up displays.

For security and defence operators, smart glasses could provide a first-person reconnaissance view of a terrain but, for this capability to be used, government would need a robust, secure, and automated software chain able to convert raw sensor streams into 3D geospatial intelligence.

The gap

Human reconnaissance is a specialised task undertaken when drones and satellites can’t be used, for example when scouting concealed targets, operating in adverse weather conditions or where agility is required.

In high stress situations, it is crucial a system is available that is easy to use. This system should be able to take images of the situation being studied, so the data can be interpreted by an analyst.

This challenge really asks whether commercial smart glasses could help provide a lower cost solution to some of the existing specialised systems.

But questions remain:

Who can access the raw data and under which legal frameworks?

Can the camera deliver sufficient resolution and stability for accurate mapping?

Can the sensor suite be leveraged to generated reliable 3D models without additional hardware, while processing in real time?

Dates

Competition opens: Monday 12 October 2026

Clarifying questions deadline: Thursday 29 October 2026

Clarifying questions published: Thursday 5 November 2026

Competition closes: Thursday 12 November 2026

Applicants notified: Thursday 19 November 2026

Pitch day: Wednesday 25 November 2026

Pitch day outcome: Monday 30 November 2026

Commercial onboarding begins*: Tuesday 1 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 >>