The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) are running on behalf of the Home Office, seeking information on innovative methods to support more efficient handling of drug drive cases.
Ideas could be at any stage of development. Currently, the evidence required for drug driving court proceedings involves a blood sample, which must be sent to a Forensic Service Provider (FSP) for analysis. DASA are seeking ways to reduce the logistical burden on FSP toxicology departments, and are interested in technology or concepts that may lead to an instrument police can use at a police station or at the roadside.
DASA are interested in innovations which:
- can contribute to a solution which is equivalent or better than current lab testing
- apply to cocaine and/or cannabis (THC), and potentially other drugs listed here
- can generate a ‘while you wait’ result (ideally no more than 30 minutes)
- help understand which testing matrices is most effective, such as blood, urine or saliva
If you have an innovation that could solve this problem, the submission process involves a short online form. The information provided will be used to assist in developing a statement of requirements for potential future activities. The deadline is midday 17th February 2022.
Further details can be found here. Information on the DASA’s other funding calls can be found here
