November 19, 2024
Wanted: New technology to protect crowds from terrorism
Security agencies want ideas for identifying possible terrorists in crowds
A COMPETITION has been launched to find new technology that can identify possible terrorists and protect people from bomb or gun attacks.
The Government hopes the scheme will improve the surveillance and detection of potential threats in crowded spaces.
Up to £2m will be made available to fund further research into the technology.
Security Minister Ben Wallace will announce the funding at a summit in London today.
He will say: “The threat from terror does not stand still so neither will we, which is why we are calling on the best and the brightest from the science and technology sector to come forward with their ideas and proposals to support our ongoing work to keep people safe.”
The competition, run by the Home Office and Defence and Security Accelerator, with support from the Royal Society, calls for research proposals on how to reduce the threat from terrorists carrying weapons or explosives.
Security Accelerator was created to find new technology in the field and head Lucy Mason said that industry, academics and public servants were all needed in the battle against terrorism.
She added: “We don’t have all the answers. So we must bring together the brightest minds from the private sector, and academia to help find solutions to help keep our country and people safe and secure.
“The Defence and Security Accelerator exists to help government find and exploit game-changing ideas to help the security services and police stay one step ahead of those who threaten our safety.
“By funding and fast tracking the development of real solutions, we help to bring the innovation community together, rapidly.
“So today I reach out to our innovation community to be part of something bigger and show their support for their country.
