Ethicronics is looking to use open innovation to develop a reusable, instrumented capability for repeatable adversarial evaluation of software/hardware solutions that provide tamper evidence during the transport and storage of high-value assets, starting with defence electronics. 
Selected solutions will be trialled against representative electronic hardware and controlled transport/storage scenarios. The selected Solution Provider will be eligible to apply for up to £60,000 to develop the capability through a maximum three-month project, with potential for further technical collaboration and adoption if successful. 

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Ethicronics Ltd is a Cambridge-based deep-tech company developing hardware-assurance and trusted-electronics technologies for defence, national-security and critical-infrastructure applications. Ethicronics brings strong expertise in hardware security and was selected as a NATO DIANA 2026 Innovator; it has also delivered defence-oriented hardware-assurance R&amp;D with major industry partners.
Physical tamper and security testing is often conducted through specialist manual assessment, bespoke attack campaigns and laboratory-specific methods. This can make tests difficult to reproduce, compare across configurations or scale across multiple asset types. Conventional software penetration-testing tools also provide limited support for systematically evaluating physical and cyber-physical interference against protected electronic equipment, particularly in transport and storage contexts.
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Ethicronics is seeking a reusable external evaluation capability that can generate controlled, measurable and repeatable adversarial conditions while minimising the amount of proprietary product information that must be disclosed to the evaluator. The aim is to create more objective evidence for technology development, validation and adoption, accelerate identification of weaknesses, and reduce the cost and subjectivity of repeated test campaigns. The public challenge intentionally focuses on the evaluation capability rather than the architecture of any Ethicronics transport-assurance product.

Background 

Ethicronics Ltd are looking for solution providers who can develop a reusable, reconfigurable and instrumented adversarial-evaluation capability for physical tamper protection of electronic assets in transit and storage. The capability should evaluate the security level of software/hardware solutions that provide tamper evidence, apply and measure controlled physical or cyber-physical interference, capture reliable ground truth, and allow equivalent tests to be repeated across configurations. We welcome approaches drawing on robotics and automation, metrology, machine vision, precision mechanics, environmental manipulation, power or sensor fault injection, sensing, instrumentation, or innovative combinations of technologies from adjacent sectors. We deliberately do not prescribe a single technical solution.
The proposed solution should be based on credible existing capability that can be adapted into a demonstrable prototype within the funded project. The innovation sought is the reusable evaluation technology and methodology itself. This is not a request to develop a new tamper-detection product or to provide a conventional consulting-only penetration test.
There is particular interest in confidentiality-preserving or limited-knowledge evaluation approaches that enable meaningful security testing while minimising exposure of sensitive product information. There is also interest in automated or semi-automated test orchestration that can vary test profiles according to factors such as journey duration, transport mode, required stealth/observability of an attempted interference, and the type of protection or sensors present.
The selected Solution Provider will be eligible to apply for up to &pound;60,000 to develop the proposed solution towards meeting this challenge. The funding will cover a maximum three-month project, with the detailed scope and success criteria refined with Ethicronics and Innovate UK Business Connect.

The Challenge 

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The solution must / should:
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<ul>
<li>Be reusable and reconfigurable across representative tamper evidence solution geometries.</li>
<li>Safely apply controlled and repeatable physical or cyber-physical interference under operator control.</li>
<li>Support multiple interference classes, for example opening/disassembly, controlled penetration or probing, deformation, environmental manipulation, power interruption, or sensor interference, with a modular route to add further scenarios.</li>
<li>Support configurable test profiles reflecting journey duration, transport mode (for example road, air, maritime or mixed-mode&nbsp;logistics), degree of stealth/observability, and different protection or sensor configurations.</li>
<li>Record what stimulus was applied, when, where and with which parameters to provide defensible ground truth.</li>
<li>Support repeated tests and&nbsp;comparison between different hardware configurations or protection approaches.</li>
<li>Minimise unnecessary destruction and use replaceable fixtures or sacrificial test articles where practical.</li>
<li>Integrate with&nbsp;Ethicronics-provided representative test assets without requiring disclosure of proprietary security algorithms or complete internal designs.</li>
<li>Produce exportable test data and&nbsp;clear evidence suitable for engineering review and future assurance/procurement evidence.</li>
</ul>
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Functional Requirements 

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The solution must/should:
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<ul>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW199398000 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Generate time-stamped, machine-readable records of the applied test stimulus and relevant measurements.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW199398000 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Allow key test parameters to be configured and calibrated, and quantify repeatability and measurement uncertainty where relevant.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW199398000 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Interface with external sensors, instrumentation and system-under-test response signals using practical laboratory interfaces.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW199398000 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Preferably support automated or semi-automated execution and test orchestration to reduce operator-to-operator variation.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW199398000 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Allow rapid setup and reconfiguration between representative test articles and transport/storage test profiles.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW199398000 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Support local/offline core operation without a mandatory dependence on external cloud connectivity.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW199398000 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Support confidentiality-preserving evaluation, such as black-box or limited-knowledge modes, segmented/local data handling or equivalent approaches that minimise unnecessary exposure of sensitive product information.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW199398000 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Include appropriate safety interlocks, operator controls and an auditable test record.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW199398000 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Demonstrate multiple distinct interference modes during the project, ideally at least three, unless an alternative approach provides equivalent breadth and value.</li>
</ul>
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Technical Requirements 

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The solution must/should:
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<ul>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW157391418 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Initially&nbsp;operate in a controlled engineering or laboratory environment.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW157391418 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Be suitable for testing representative commercial electronic hardware, equipment enclosures and test articles; no classified assets are required.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW157391418 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Support testing of assets in powered and unpowered states with appropriate electrical and mechanical isolation.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW157391418 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Support configurable scenarios representative of transport and storage, without requiring access to live operational missions or classified routes.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW157391418 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Operate safely under normal laboratory conditions and, where relevant to the proposed solution, controlled environmental conditions.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW157391418 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Be available for repeated use during the maximum three-month development and evaluation period.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW157391418 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Be capable of future adaptation to other high-value asset classes; field ruggedisation is not required within the initial project.</li>
</ul>
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Operating Conditions 

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The solution must/should not:
<ul>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW166788792 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Be limited to conventional network/software penetration-testing consultancy with no reusable test capability or tooling.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW166788792 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Develop a new tamper-detection or security product for Ethicronics.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW166788792 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Require testing against live operational or classified systems.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW166788792 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Rely on uninstrumented destructive testing that cannot provide reliable ground truth or repeatability.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW166788792 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Require explosives, weapons or other methods creating unacceptable health, safety or environmental risks for the intended laboratory setting.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW166788792 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Require public disclosure of Ethicronics proprietary architecture, algorithms, sensor designs or implementation details.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW166788792 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Require applicants to publish exploit details relating to a specific Ethicronics product.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW166788792 BCX8" data-ccp-border-bottom="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-bottom="0px" data-ccp-border-between="0px none #000000" data-ccp-padding-between="0px">Be intended for&nbsp;unauthorised testing or offensive deployment against third-party systems.</li>
</ul>
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Out of Scope 

The selected Solution Provider will be eligible to apply for grant funding of up to &pound;60,000 (eligible project costs) for a maximum three-month project. There is no target unit price at this stage; applicants should indicate the likely cost and practicality of continued operation, maintenance and reuse beyond the funded pilot.

Cost Requirement 

Successful applicants will have an opportunity to pitch to Ethicronics. The selected Solution Provider will then be eligible to apply for up to &pound;60,000 grant funding to kick-start development of the proposed solution through a maximum three-month project. The solution will be trialled against representative electronic hardware with technical support from Ethicronics, with potential for further collaboration and adoption if the trial is successful.
A successful capability could be reused across multiple Ethicronics validation campaigns and, subject to commercial agreement, may have wider application across defence electronics, secure logistics, critical infrastructure, semiconductor/electronics assurance and independent test laboratories. It could also support higher-assurance evidence for future users responsible for high-value assets in transport or storage
The benefits package for a successful applicant may also include:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Support from Innovate UK Business Connect</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Support in the development of a prototype or pilot</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Technical support</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Invitation to attend or present at Innovate UK Business Connect events</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A potential business collaboration</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investor introductions (if investment is required)</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Support if any Innovate or similar competitions are relevant.</li>
</ul>

Rewards & Market Opportunity 

<ul>
<li>Challenge launch: 5th October 2026</li>
<li>Deadline for applications: Friday 6th November 2026</li>
<li>Review of applicants: Monday 9th &ndash; Friday 13th November 2026</li>
<li>Selection and notification of finalists: Friday 13th &ndash; Tuesday 17th November 2026</li>
<li>Pitch Day: Wednesday 25th November - Wednesday &nbsp;3rd December 226</li>
<li>Confirm selected solution provider: By Friday 4th December 2026</li>
<li>Submission to Innovation Funding Service (IFS): December 2026</li>
<li>Project length: 3-months. (Starting by 1st March 2027 and complete no later than 31st May 2027)</li>
</ul>

Timescales

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Entrants to this competition must be:
<ul>
<li>Established businesses, academic institutions, start-ups, SMEs, or individual entrepreneurs</li>
<li>UK based or have the intention to set up a UK base</li>
</ul>
Your project must:
<ul>
<li>Have a grant funding request up to &pound;60,000 (eligible costs only, see below).</li>
<li>Start in March 2027 and complete by 31st May 2027</li>
<li>Carry out its project work in the UK.</li>
<li>Intend to exploit the results from or in the UK.</li>
</ul>
Applications will be assessed on:
<ul>
<li>Relevance to the defined challenge</li>
<li>Benefit of implementation</li>
<li>Feasibility/economic viability</li>
<li>Innovative nature</li>
<li>Ability to launch in line with expected timescales</li>
<li>Credibility of applicant company</li>
<li>Coherence of the proposed business model</li>
<li>Development potential</li>
<li>Maturity of the solution</li>
<li>Suitability for the intended geographic market</li>
</ul>
If selected through this competition, you will be invited to apply for up to &pound;60,000 grant funding through the Innovation Funding Service (IFS). Applicants will need to upload the following documents to IFS once notified:
<ul>
<li>Project plan</li>
<li>Project costing</li>
<li>Minimal Financial Assistance (and de minimis where applicable) declaration (details can be found <a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/guidance-for-applicants/general-guidance/funding-rules/">here</a>)</li>
</ul>
Minimal Financial Assistance:
Grant funding in this competition is awarded as Minimal Financial assistance (MFA). This allows public bodies to award up to &pound;315,000 to an enterprise in a 3-year rolling financial period. If your application is successful and you are invited to apply for grant funding you will be asked to declare previous funding received by you. This will form part of the financial checks ahead of Innovate UK making a formal grant offer.
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Eligibility and Assessment Criteria

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Existing background IP associated with a potential solution will remain with Solution Provider(s). Where any new IP generation is envisaged, it will be subject to the mutual IP agreement of the solution provider(s) and challenge holder.
Any commercial deployment of a transferred solution or newly developed solution, through licensing, joint venture, partnership, or direct investment, will be subject to the commercial agreement between the solution provider(s) and challenge holder.
Where necessary, a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) may be signed to uphold confidentiality in the engagement between the solution provider(s) and challenge holder. (This would be expected to be after company selection, it is suggested that details of IP be not disclosed, focus on the outcomes of the technology proposed).
Innovate UK and Innovate UK Business Connect do not take any share of IP ownership or enter commercial ventures through the iX programme.
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IP and Potential Commercial Routes

The application form for this challenge will require applicants to provide company information and answer 3 questions - Idea Summary, Technology Readiness and Intellectual Property &ndash; each with a limit of 300 words.
Additionally, the following documents must be attached for your application to be considered:
<ul>
<li>Project plan</li>
<li>Project costings &ndash; only eligible costs will be funded, please read the Innovate UK Costs guidance for further information</li>
</ul>
We recommend that you complete the application form in Google Chrome as other browsers may have compatibility issues. The application form does not need to be completed in one session and can be saved for future edits. Please ensure that you toggle &ldquo;Stage Complete&rdquo; for each section before submission. Note that you will no longer be able to edit your application once you have clicked &ldquo;Submit Idea&rdquo; at the bottom of the Summary page.

Application and Technical Guidance

By submitting an application to this Innovation Exchange (iX) challenge, you acknowledge and agree that the information you provide will be shared with Innovate UK Business Connect and the challenge holder for the purposes of assessment and selection. All information submitted will be handled in confidence and shared only with those involved in the assessment and selection process under appropriate confidentiality expectations.
Please consider the level of detail you share in your submission to ensure it aligns with your own internal confidentiality or disclosure policies.
A selected panel of assessors will review and score your application. The panel of assessors will meet and agree a consensus score. Successful solutions will be selected by the challenge holder. Success will be based upon total consensus scores, a portfolio approach and capacity within the challenge holder&rsquo;s organisation to carry out the projects.
For more information on how Innovate UK Business Connect handles personal data, please refer to our&nbsp;<a href="https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/privacy-policy/" target="_new">Privacy Policy</a>.

Repeatable Adversarial Evaluation of Physical Tamper Protection for Defence Electronics

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Repeatable Adversarial Evaluation of Physical Tamper Protection for Defence Electronics