Endeavr – New Technology Delivered Through Challenge-Led Innovation
Working with Airbus Defence and Space (ADS) and the Welsh Government, we begin by identifying key technology areas that align with ADS’s technology roadmap and Welsh economic goals. From there, we initiate the search for the perfect research partner. Cardiff University supports this process, representing all Welsh universities, while SimplyDo, a Welsh SME, provides the digital platform, engagement support, operational management, and expert delivery.
Challenge calls are typically announced in the autumn, with the selection process taking place in December. All participants are expected to be under contract by March 31st of the following year. These calls are open to innovative start-ups, SMEs, and academic institutions based in Wales. We are increasingly seeing the benefits of collaborative projects involving multiple partners. The goal is to meet the research and technology needs of ADS while providing real-world applications for innovation.
Once the challenge areas are agreed upon, a technology manager from ADS is assigned to assist Endeavr’s executive team in finding the best research partner. At this stage, there is flexibility in how research outcomes are delivered.
Qualified bidders prepare to attend Pitch Day—a dynamic and exploratory event where research proposals are presented. A panel made up of representatives from ADS, the Welsh Government, and Cardiff University evaluates the pitches. Each idea is assessed in detail, and recommendations are made to proceed, collaborate, or advise that the proposal is unsuccessful. Endeavr, as a small and agile organisation, even explores opportunities for bidders to collaborate and submit improved proposals together, whether involving academic institutions or SMEs. This flexible approach has led to successful partnerships benefiting all parties involved.
Successful bidders are asked to start their projects within three months to ensure timely development of technologies. Projects are monitored on a monthly basis, with partnerships often enduring well beyond the initial investment phase.
Currently, we run two challenges each year, with projects lasting from 12 months to over three years, depending on the complexity of the challenge and research outcomes. This initiative drives significant economic, academic, and social benefits to Wales, fostering an innovative partnership between the public and private sectors.
In 2022 the challenges centred around two technology areas:
Generative AI: To provide research into the use of Generative AI to detect and produce artificial content in real time.
Software based cryptography: To provide research into advanced cryptography, specifically software innovations, to meet the challenges presented by a post-quantum world and accelerate the transition to next-generation cryptography schemes.
In 2023 the challenges centred around two technology areas:
Detection of Information Generated by AI: To provide research and technical development into detecting content generated by ChatGPT and other generative AI models in text and visual content.
Identification and/or Replacement of PFAS: To analyse large amounts of available data (potentially using AI) to identify and/or replace Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) chemicals.