Janus pathfinder series: identifying funding fit and drafting strong R&D applications

Join us for an insightful and hands-on 3-hour funding workshop designed to support defence SMEs and scale-ups working in research, development and innovation.

This event is designed to help SMEs better understand how public R&D funding works and how to develop clear, credible and competitive funding applications.

In this event, topics such as navigating the public R&D funding landscape, assessing which opportunities are the right fit, and applying the principles of strong drafting for public R&D applications will be covered. The session will conclude with key takeaways and guidance on putting these principles into practice going forward.

Attendees will gain:

• Confidence navigating public R&D funding

• Ability to build a fundable narrative

• Practical, usable outputs, that can be immediately used

Agenda:

• 9:30 – In-person check-in opens

• 10:00 – Welcome and orientation

• 10:10 – Understanding the public R&D funding landscape

• 11:00 – Assessing funding fit

• 11:30 – Principles of strong drafting for public R&D applications

• 12:45 – Key takeaways and applying the principles going forward 13:00 – Event ends

• 13:00 – 14:00 – In-person networking

How to join us

You can take part in the workshop in one of two ways on Tuesday 3 February 2026:

• Online from 10:00 – 13:00 (GMT) OR

• In-person from 9:30 – 14:00 (GMT) in West London

Be advised this event has limited capacity and registration requires approval. Address will be sent to approved attendees at least 10 days prior to the event.

About Janus pathfinders

Janus pathfinders are designed for startups developing dual-use technologies, offering clear guidance on navigating the defence market and tailored support to accelerate growth. These sessions offer unique opportunities to hear directly from experts, build valuable connections and gain a competitive edge to drive innovation in the defence sector.

Don’t miss out on your chance to hear directly from experts!

About Janus Allies

Janus is delivered in partnership with the UK Defence Innovation Defence & Security Accelerator (UKDI-DASA), led by IoT Tribe in consortium with SETsquared partnership and Atmos VC.

​We are delivering the DIANA and DASA startup programmes to reinforce the UK's position within NATO. We equip startups and industry with the necessary operational and technical support to commercialise emerging frontier technologies that address pressing needs of civilian and defence markets. Janus unlocks procurement pathways and connects innovators with strategic investors, demystifying the scaling process for early-stage businesses. This enables the next generation of high-growth, dual-use ventures to focus on developing innovative capabilities for the UK and NATO allies.

​If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected]