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Defence spending and procurement: what it means for software and AI start-ups
How do software start-ups sell to UK defence?
Updated 6 November 2026 from public records. 11 items below.
At a glance
- 11 records from the last 120 days, 5 naming software and AI directly
- No consultation on this open right now
- Most active: Ministry of Defence
- Latest record: 5 November 2026
Government has committed to raise defence spending and to buy more from smaller and newer suppliers, through the Defence Investment Plan and reforms to how the Ministry of Defence buys. For a start-up selling to defence, the question is which of these routes is real money this year and how to get in front of it. The Ministry of Defence on GOV.UK.
What it means for your start-up
Much new defence spending goes on software, data and AI, and the Ministry of Defence has promised to buy more from smaller firms. Security accreditation, Cyber Essentials and clearance for staff are the gates most software firms meet first.
What to do now
- Get Cyber Essentials, which most defence contracts require, and Cyber Essentials Plus if your contracts carry higher cyber risk.
- Follow the Ministry of Defence's digital and AI strategies for funded priorities.
- Find a route in through UK Defence Innovation or a prime contractor's supply chain.
Latest from government
Marked: mentions software and ai directly.
- Notice to exporters 2026/23: expansion of military and dual-use open general export licences
This notice advises of the expansion of the dual-use open general export licence (OGEL) and the Military Goods Software and Technology OGELs. - Dr Ewan Kirk appointed MOD’s Director Innovation
Technology entrepreneur joins National Armaments Director Group, bringing more than 30 years of experience across science, finance and industry. - Military Engineering Showcase highlights UK defence innovation
Over 60 UK companies joined partners from over 20 nations to showcase military engineering solutions, strengthen collaboration and support UK defence exports. - Tactical Power Challenge: powering the future force
UK Defence Innovation and the British Army are seeking innovative technologies to help meet rapidly growing battlefield power demands
In Parliament
Marked: mentions software and ai directly.
- With reference to paragraph 3.2.31 of the Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June 2026, what progress he has made in identifying the next UK defence…
Asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Con). Defence: Industry — The Government is making good progress in identifying and supporting the next generation of high-growth UK defence technology companies through initiatives set out… - With reference to page 57 of his department's Strategic Defence Review, published 2 June 2025, what progress has been made on a pivot to outcomes-based…
Asked by Stuart Anderson (Con). Defence: Procurement — The Ministry of Defence is already implementing the Strategic Defence Review commitment to pivot towards outcomes-based partnerships with start-ups, scale-ups… - With reference to Recommendation 5 of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, what progress has his Department made in 2026 in delivering a minimum viable product…
Asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Con). Armed Forces: Digital Technology — Significant progress has been made in the development of the Defence-wide Secret Cloud throughout 2026. A minimum viable product (MVP) will be… - What discussions has his department held with dual-technology companies in the Huntingdon constituency regarding sovereign capability with applications within…
Asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Con). Defence: Huntingdon — Defence continues to engage with companies, SMEs, investors and academic institutions across the defence and dual-use technology sectors to support innovation,… - Whether the system allows for dual use cameras.
Asked by Mr Richard Holden (Con). Speed Limits: Cameras — The Government takes the safety of our roads extremely seriously and is committed to ensuring the best possible standards for road enforcement equipment.We… - With reference to the Autumn Budget 2026 and the Defence Investment Plan, what capital reallocation she has agreed for her Department for each year of the…
Asked by Max Wilkinson (LD). Home Office: Public Expenditure — Departments have been asked to contribute their capital budgets to fund this Government’s Defence Investment Plan, helping keep the country safe in an… - With reference to the Autumn Budget 2026 and the Defence Investment Plan, what capital reallocation she has agreed for her Department for each year of the…
Asked by Olly Glover (LD). Department for Transport: Public Expenditure — The Autumn Budget 2026 provides further information…
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0. General information, not legal advice.