HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Compact, low-cost GNSS simulator
HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Compact, low-cost GNSS simulator

HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Compact, low-cost GNSS simulator

Swindon Full-Time 42000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop a compact, low-cost GNSS simulator for testing communication systems.
  • Company: HMGCC Co-Creation partners with industry and academia to tackle national security challenges.
  • Benefits: Receive funding for your project and access to technical expertise and facilities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in national security while innovating in cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Open to innovators, industry, academic and research organisations with relevant expertise.
  • Other info: Pitch your proposal and collaborate with leading experts in the field.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.

Summary of the challenge

HMGCC Co-Creation is seeking Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) simulators to support testing of multiple communication systems at the same time.

In this challenge, we want to hear from organisations which have developed, or can develop, compact and low-cost systems to replicate real-time global GNSS constellations.

Organisations are being asked to apply if, over a 12-week period, they can develop and demonstrate technology to meet this challenge. HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads and other indirect expenses associated with this challenge.

Technology themes

This challenge has the potential to touch on key areas of technology including:

  • communication systems
  • electronic engineering;
  • modelling and simulation;
  • position navigation and timing;
  • radio frequency science and engineering;
  • space and satellites
  • telecoms

Key information

Budget: Up to £60,000 (exc. VAT)

Project duration: 12 weeks

Competition opens: Monday 7 July 2025

Competition closes: Thursday 7 August 2025 at 5pm

  • Context of the challenge

The UK national security and defence community operates globally, often in contested environments and conflict zones. Many communication systems rely on GNSS for position, navigation and timing signals.

To ensure the reliability of these systems, it is crucial to first test them in the most realistic environments possible. Typically, the technology needs to be portable and pocket-sized to meet the requirement. Due to limited access to trials in real world locations, testing is typically carried out in radio frequency (RF) shielded rooms to replicate these environments.

The gap

There is a gap in the market for a compact, full constellation simulator which is lower in cost, compared to other, currently available solutions. To test physical devices effectively, a realistic and real-time GNSS simulation is necessary, which is not limited to GPS but also includes other constellations like Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDuo, QZSS and NavIC.

  • Marianne is developing a tracking product to be used in a contested area where those working for national security could be at risk of capture. In these cases, a product of this type could enable their location to be known. There needs to be a very high assurance that it will operate as intended when deployed.

The test facility has no access to GNSS constellations, so Marianne, a test engineer, needs a GNSS simulator to show how the tracking device would work anywhere in the world. The simulator must be able to use any set of GNSS constellations, not just those available in the UK.

She tests ten of her devices in a shielded container to determine whether the assurance requirements are met using a range of constellations. She is able to remotely programme different global locations dynamically and assure herself that the devices are accurately reflecting real-time GNSS constellations. Thanks to this capable simulator, processes are easy to follow, efficient and provide

assurance to test results.

  • In this 12-week project, applicants should aim to deliver a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) device. We expect existing technology to be adapted for this use case, with a focus on building a functional final product that can be purchased at low cost.

There is potential for wider commercial applications in automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics, and we welcome commercialisation efforts.

This challenge is open to TRLs 6 – 9. We recommend that proposals include both the existing and expected TRL at the end of the 12-week period. The essential, desirable and stretch targets are listed below.

We Are Open To Either

  • All elements within a portable form factor (ideally within the footprint of H 207mm x W 130mm x D 220mm) or:
  • A single transmitter within the shielded environment but with a remotely hosted appliance for signal generation.
  • Essential requirements for solution:
  • Must be as compact as possible.
  • Must provide real-time simulation of GNSS full constellations using genuine data.
  • Uses standard IP over ethernet interface for networking purposes. Ethernet or RF over fibre are also acceptable solutions.
  • Must relay genuine Ephemeris and Almanac data (to enable A-GPS services). TLE data does not meet the requirement.
  • Must be powered through UK standard 3-pin plug or by standard USB port.
  • Must be either compliant or working towards UK electrical/RF safety standards.
  • Has ability to feed NMEA standard data format.

Desirable

  • Scalable to generate up to 100 discrete GNSS signals.
  • Trade-off of complexity and final product cost against functionality, e.g. could focus on a single GNSS system if there is an implication on cost.
  • Final product cost in the order of £5000.
  • Low power solution.
  • Avoid containing export-controlled material (e.g. ITAR software/hardware).
  • Use of SMA connectors for RF solutions.
  • Constraints: must operate in a RF shielded room.

Not Required

  • Horizon scanning only.
  • No virtualisation or digital twinning.
  • In a final product, testing data (used for AI training for example) would not be possible to share back with the solution provider.
  • Competition opens Monday 7 July 2025
  • Online briefing call / Deadline to submit clarifying questions Tuesday 22 July 2025 at 11am – click here to register for a place
  • Clarifying questions published Tuesday 29 July 2025
  • Competition closes Thursday 7 August 2025 at 5pm (UK time)
  • Applicants notified Tuesday 26 August 2025
  • Pitch day in Milton Keynes Thursday 4 September 2025
  • Commercial onboarding begins Thursday 11 September 2025 (Please note, the successful solution provider will be expected to have availability for a 1-hour onboarding call on this day via MS Teams to begin the onboarding/contractual process.)
  • Target project kick-off Monday 6 October 2025
  • 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.

  • All proposals, regardless of the application route, will be assessed by the HMGCC Co-Creation team. Proposals will be scored 1–5 on the following criteria:
  • Scope Does the proposal fit within the challenge scope, taking into consideration cost and benefit?
  • Innovation Is the technical solution credible, will it create new knowledge and IP, or use existing IP?
  • Deliverables Will the proposal deliver a full or partial solution, if a partial solution, are there collaborations identified?
  • Timescale Will the proposal deliver a minimum viable product within the project duration?
  • Budget Are the project finances within the competition scope?
  • Team Are the organisation / delivery team credible in this technical area?
  • Successful applicants will be invited to a pitch day, giving them a chance to meet the HMGCC Co-Creation team and pitch the proposal during a 20-minute presentation, followed by questions.

After the pitch day, a final funding decision will be made. For unsuccessful applicants, feedback will be given in a timely manner.

  • Clarifying questions or general requests for assistance can be submitted directly to cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk and Co-Creation@dstl.gov.uk 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.

  • Please send applications directly to cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk and co-creation@dstl.gov.uk including the challenge title with a note of the collaborator network where this challenge was first viewed (in this case, Innovate UK Business Connect).

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

  • Applications must be no more than six pages or six slides in length. HMGCC Co-Creation reserve 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 impacts.
  • 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.
  • Proposals must be compliant with the HMGCC Co-Creation terms and conditions; by submitting your proposal you are confirming your organisation’s unqualified acceptance of Co-Creation terms and conditions.

Commercial contracts and funding of successful applications will be engaged via our commercial collaborator, Cranfield University.

  • HMGCC works with the national security community, UK government, academia, private sector partners and international allies to bring engineering ingenuity to the national security mission, creating tools and technologies that drive us ahead and help to protect the nation.

HMGCC Co-Creation is a partnership between HMGCC and Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory), created to deliver a new, bold and innovative way of working with the wider UK science and technology community. We bring together the best in class across industry, academia, and government, to work collaboratively on national security engineering challenges and accelerate innovation.

HMGCC Co-Creation aims to work collaboratively with the successful solution providers by utilising in-house delivery managers working Agile by default. This process will involve access to HMGCC Co-Creation’s technical expertise and facilities to bring a product to market more effectively than traditional customer supplier relationships.

  • 1. Who owns the intellectual property? As per the HMGCC Co-Creation terms and conditions, project IP shall belong exclusively to the solution provider, granting the Authority a non-exclusive, royalty free licence.
  • Who are the end customers? National security users include a wide range of different UK government departments which varies from challenge to challenge. This is a modest market and so we would encourage solution providers to consider dual use and commercial exploitation.
  • What funding is eligible? This is not grant funding, so HMGCC Co-Creation funds all time, materials, overheads and indirect costs.
  • How many projects are funded for each challenge? On average we fund two solution providers per challenge, but it does come down to the merit and strength of the received proposals.
  • Do you expect to get a full product by the end of the funding? It changes from challenge to challenge, but it’s unlikely. We typically see this initial funding as a feasibility or prototyping activity.
  • Is there the possibility for follow-on funding beyond project timescale? Yes it is possible, if the solution delivered by the end of the project is judged by the HMGCC Co-Creation team as feasible, viable and desirable, then phase 2 funding may be made available.
  • Can we collaborate with other organisations to form a consortium? Yes, in fact this is encouraged, and additional funding may be made available. Please see the maximum budget of the individual challenge.
  • I can’t attend the online briefing event, can I still access this? If a briefing event is held, which varies challenge to challenge, then yes. Either the recording or the transcript will be made available to view at your leisure after it has been broadcasted. This will be made available via the HMGCC Co-Creation community collaborators.
  • Do we need security clearances to work with HMGCC Co-Creation? Our preference is work to be conducted at OFFICIAL, we may however, request the project team undertake BPSS checks or equivalent.
  • We think we have already solved this challenge, can we still apply? That would be welcomed. If your product fits our needs, then we would like to hear about it.
  • Can you explain the Technology Readiness Level (TRL)? Please see the UKRI definition for further detail.
  • Can I source components from the list of restricted countries, e.g. electronic components? Yes, that is acceptable under phase 1 – feasibility, as long as it doesn’t break UK government trade restrictions and/or arms embargoes.
  • Solution providers should also consider their business development and supply chains are in-line with the National Security and Investment Act and the National Protective Security Authority’s (NPSA) and National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) Trusted Research and Secure Innovation guidance. NPSA and NCSC’s Secure Innovation Action Plan provides businesses with bespoke guidance on how to protect their business from security threats, and NPSA and NCSC’s Core Security Measures for Early-Stage Technology Businesses provides a list of suggested protective security measures aimed at helping early-stage technology businesses protect their intellectual property, information, and data.

To apply, please send applications directly to cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk and co-creation@dstl.gov.uk including the challenge title (“Compact, low-cost GNSS simulator”) with a note of the collaborator network where this challenge was first viewed (in this case, Innovate UK Business Connect). #J-18808-Ljbffr

HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Compact, low-cost GNSS simulator employer: Innovate UK ICURe

HMGCC Co-Creation is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge technology development within the national security sector. With a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and creativity, employees benefit from access to advanced technical expertise and facilities, as well as opportunities for professional growth through hands-on project involvement. Located in Milton Keynes, the company provides a supportive environment where your contributions can have a meaningful impact on national security and defence.
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Contact Detail:

Innovate UK ICURe Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Compact, low-cost GNSS simulator

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the challenge. Understanding the essential and desirable features of the GNSS simulator will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate how your solution meets these needs.

✨Tip Number 2

Engage with the HMGCC Co-Creation team during the online briefing call. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and clarify any uncertainties about the challenge, which can give you an edge in your proposal.

✨Tip Number 3

Consider forming a consortium with other organisations. Collaborating can enhance your proposal by combining expertise and resources, making it more competitive for the funding.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for the pitch day by practising your presentation skills. A clear and confident delivery of your proposal can significantly impact the decision-makers, so make sure you convey your ideas effectively.

We think you need these skills to ace HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Compact, low-cost GNSS simulator

Expertise in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
Experience in electronic engineering
Proficiency in modelling and simulation techniques
Knowledge of radio frequency (RF) science and engineering
Understanding of position navigation and timing systems
Ability to develop compact and low-cost technology solutions
Familiarity with standard IP over Ethernet interfaces
Experience with real-time data processing and simulation
Capability to relay genuine Ephemeris and Almanac data
Knowledge of NMEA standard data format
Project management skills for a 12-week development cycle
Ability to work within budget constraints
Strong problem-solving skills
Collaboration and teamwork abilities
Adaptability to changing project requirements
Technical writing skills for documentation and proposals

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Challenge: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the challenge. Read through the job description carefully and identify the key requirements and expectations outlined by HMGCC Co-Creation.

Tailor Your Proposal: Craft your application to specifically address the essential and desirable requirements mentioned in the job description. Highlight how your technology meets the needs for a compact, low-cost GNSS simulator and demonstrate your understanding of the technology themes.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application within the six-page limit and ensure that your writing is clear and concise. Use bullet points where appropriate to make your proposal easy to read and digest. Avoid jargon unless necessary, and explain any technical terms you use.

Highlight Your Team's Expertise: Include CVs and relevant experience of key personnel in your application. Emphasise the expertise of your team in areas such as electronic engineering, modelling and simulation, and communication systems, as this will strengthen your proposal.

How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate UK ICURe

✨Understand the Challenge Scope

Make sure you thoroughly understand the challenge's requirements and objectives. Familiarise yourself with the key areas of technology mentioned, such as GNSS, communication systems, and electronic engineering. This will help you tailor your responses to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with their needs.

✨Showcase Relevant Experience

Prepare to discuss any previous projects or experiences that relate to GNSS simulators or similar technologies. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you've successfully tackled challenges in the past, especially in high-pressure environments like national security.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to GNSS technology, simulation methods, and RF engineering. Brush up on relevant concepts and be ready to explain your thought process clearly. Demonstrating your technical knowledge will show that you're capable of contributing effectively to the project.

✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills

Since this challenge encourages collaboration, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team. Share examples of successful collaborations and how you can contribute to a multidisciplinary team, which is essential for delivering innovative solutions in this field.

HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Compact, low-cost GNSS simulator
Innovate UK ICURe
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  • HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Compact, low-cost GNSS simulator

    Swindon
    Full-Time
    42000 - 84000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-23

  • I

    Innovate UK ICURe

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