Six UK tech firms will receive a share of £450,000 government funding to develop smart airport screening technology in a bid to cut delays.
Each company will develop scanning equipment to improve threat detection and reduce the number of false alarms and manual checks, speeding up screening processes and reducing inconvenience to passengers, according to the Department for Transport.
The programme will provide tailored business support workshops delivered by experts alongside the grant funding,
Aviation minister Mike Kane said: “Safety is our top priority, and this funding will strengthen the UK’s already rigorous security standards, bolster our competitiveness internationally and ensure that passengers can continue to fly with ease of mind.
“As part of our Plan for Change, we are turbocharging investment in the aviation sector and going further and faster with expansion plans to kickstart economic growth and deliver high-skilled jobs across the country.”
Connected Places Catapult is the delivery partner for the programme and has already led a number of schemes for the department, including a transport research and innovation grants scheme.
Chief executive Erika Lewis said: “By supporting innovators with ideas to further strengthen security at airports, not only are we helping to improve the passenger experience, but we are also supporting companies to develop and scale here in the UK.”