The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has launched a new innovation challenge to counter the growing use of drones in and around prisons, as part of wider efforts to modernise security and harness new technology across the justice system.
Run through His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre (HMGCC) Co-Creation, the Counter-Drone Challenge invites UK innovators to develop cutting-edge systems capable of detecting drones that criminals are modifying to evade current detection tools.
Successful applicants will receive £60,000 in funding to build proof-of-concept solutions during a 12-week development phase. The challenge is open to industry partners, researchers and technologists able to deliver practical, legally compliant tools that can be easily deployed in operational prison environments.
“We’ve taken decisive action to combat the scourge of drones in prisons – investing heavily in physical security and cutting-edge technology,” said Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending. “This challenge will help us harness innovation to keep staff safe, disrupt criminal networks and support prisoner rehabilitation.”
The initiative comes amid a 770% rise in drone incidents in prisons between 2019 and 2023, driven by organised crime groups using drones to smuggle drugs, weapons and mobile phones into facilities. In response, the Government has committed £40 million this year to strengthen prison security, including £10 million for anti-drone measures such as perimeter netting, reinforced windows and advanced detection systems.
The new tech challenge builds on this investment, bringing together government, academia and industry through HMGCC Co-Creation – a joint venture with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) that aims to accelerate innovation in national security. The model works by sharing “operational technology” challenges with external experts and co-developing rapid, scalable solutions.
The launch follows a July showcase where technology firms presented new tools to tackle prison violence and improve monitoring to ministers. The Counter-Drone Challenge continues this momentum – signalling the MoJ’s shift towards open collaboration and innovation-led problem-solving in public service delivery.