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
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
![US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities]()
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.
