Government seeking ideas in airport security technology

The government is looking for airport security technology ideas, offering the winner a cash prize of £30,000.

It will accept ideas from students, academics and businesses on how to improve security at various stages of air travel, from planning and booking to boarding aircraft and travelling.

Designers who are successful will have the opportunity to develop their plans into real projects.

The cash prizes are funded by defence electronics supplier Thales, which will arrange for the winning ideas to be tested at British airports. Ideas will also be showcased at an industry event in December.

The project is run by the Home Office’s Innovation in Science and Technology in Counter Terrorism Programme, as well as industry body Intellect. The INSTINCT programme aims to encourage the industry to find new anti-terrorism ideas.

Intellect said ideas are welcome in a range of areas, including technology, processes and training. Entries could include tracking and tracing for individuals and their bags, recognition and sensor systems, data analysis, flow control, gate and boarding checks, and event simulation.

Security minister Baroness Neville-Jones said: “Terrorists will always look for new ways to beat the system which is why we have to stay ahead of the game in protecting our national security.”

“There is no reason why an innovative university project couldn’t be the next equivalent of biometric passports or baggage scanners.”

Those interested in participating have until 10 September to register.