Dual-use technologies — innovations developed for civilian markets that also have defence applications — are opening a new and increasingly important route for SMEs to enter the UK defence supply chain. As the Ministry of Defence continues to prioritise innovation and broaden its supplier base, understanding how to position dual-use capability for defence opportunities is becoming essential for technology and innovation-focused suppliers.
Chaired by Grahame Steed, Director of Public Policy & Research at BiP Solutions, with the specialist perspective from Jeremy Wimble of techUK, and market intelligence from John Rodigan of Defence Contracts International (DCI) as Official Market Intelligence Partner, the session gives suppliers — particularly SMEs and technology innovators — a clear, practical understanding of the dual-use opportunity and how to position for it.
This is a DPRTE-led, DCI-powered briefing that places the DPRTE brand at the centre of the dual-use conversation and creates a direct, named link between this October briefing and the Summit in Manchester on 22 October. It is one of the official warm-up sessions to the National Defence Summit, giving attendees a strategic head start before joining government, industry leaders, buyers and suppliers at the Summit itself.
By the end of the session, delegates will have:
- A clear understanding of dual-use technologies and their growing role in UK defence procurement
- Insight into where SME and innovation-led opportunities are emerging
- An understanding of how techUK supports SME engagement in this space
- Practical guidance on positioning dual-use capability for defence opportunities
- An introduction to DCI’s market intelligence tools and how they support supplier growth
- A preview of the themes to be explored at the DPRTE UK National Defence Procurement & Supply Chain Summit 2026
About DPRTE and the National Defence Summit
DPRTE (Defence Procurement, Research, Technology & Exportability) is the UK’s leading defence procurement and supply chain event. The DPRTE UK National Defence Procurement & Supply Chain Summit 2026 takes place in Manchester on 22 October 2026, bringing together government buyers, primes, tier-one and tier-two suppliers, SMEs and regional clusters to shape and access the defence pipeline. Defence Contracts International is Official Market Intelligence Partner, and this webinar is one of the official preview sessions to the Summit.
About Defence Contracts International (DCI)
As Official Market Intelligence Partner, DCI provides insight into defence procurement trends, market opportunities, programme activity and supplier engagement across the UK and international defence sectors — helping attendees understand how dual-use and innovation-led opportunities translate into tangible, tracked contract activity across the supply chain. DCI is showcased in this session through a live demonstration of its platform, represented by John Rodigan.