Empowering SMEs in defence: how accelerators forge pathways to success amid lingering challenges
Accelerators like Plexal run programmes with government departments to help SMEs get access to defence and other markets. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
SMEs have touted the benefits of accelerators to Shephard in helping them gain access to markets like defence and meet new potential clients.
Speaking to Shephard, DIEM Analytics director Sarah Vincent-Major and Countercraft co-founder Dan Brett both touted the benefits of accelerators for SMEs while detailing the lingering challenges for companies of this size operating in the government space.
Both businesses have worked with Plexal, an innovation hub geared towards solving challenges through collaboration with government, startups, and industry on accelerators it has run.
According to Plexal director of defence James Gayner, the business aims to help close the gaps between ‘public and private, big and small’ to work towards common goals leveraging science and technology.
DIEM Analytics builds AI applications that offer
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
![Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft]()
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
![OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”]()
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
