IDI (idroneinnovations) is a UK-based technology company specialising in advanced automated drone deployment systems for critical industries. Established in 2019, IDI designs and manufactures rugged, IP55-rated drone hardware and develops sophisticated automation software, enabling safe, efficient, and scalable drone operations. Their flagship solutions, such as the IDI Dock and IDI Fly platform, integrate precision landing, real-time analytics, and third-party safety tools to support sectors like oil & gas, emergency services, and infrastructure. With a strong focus on regulatory compliance and operational excellence, IDI empowers organisations to unlock new levels of safety, efficiency, and innovation in aerial automation and remote operations.

Leading Edge Power is a small wind turbine specialist and British manufacturer of off-grid energy systems. Based in Herefordshire, they design and builds robust, high-quality renewable power solutions trusted worldwide. With decades of expertise in wind and hybrid energy, LEP continues to innovate with the development of next-generation off-grid systems and drone infrastructure technology. For the DFR project, LEP current projects include the manufacturing of docking station exterior enclosure and power enclosure, a flexible energy supply for the portal with both situated and portable power units, and a docking station barrier to ensure safe and reliable drone operations. By combining proven small wind turbine technology with new power platforms, Leading Edge Power is helping shape the future of remote energy and autonomous systems.

‍

SLiNK-TECH (SLiNK) is a Bristol, UK-based technology company, developing automated drone infrastructure for the future of flight. Founded in 2018, they have been developing an advanced launch and landing solution called PORTAL, which is safe, low cost and highly automated. Their vision is to make the benefits of drone logistics and eVTOL passenger flight available across all industries and applications. As part of the DFR project, SLiNK-TECH will develop advanced safety solutions for drone landing zones and oversee the project's delivery. Their background in advanced safety systems, risk mitigation, and project delivery is critical for meeting regulatory and operational requirements.

Thames Valley Police is one of the 43 police forces in England and Wales and is the largest non-metropolitan force. It covers over 2,200 square miles and three counties: Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

We serve a diverse population of over 2.34 million people. The population has grown by 10% in the last 10 years. The force is also responsible for policing 196 miles of motorway. The force is divided into five Local Command Units (LCU), each led by a Chief Superintendent as Commander. The LCU Commanders deliver patrol, CID and Neighbourhood Policing. The LCUs follow the approximate authority and/or county boundaries of Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Milton Keynes, Berkshire East and Berkshire West. You can find out more about each LCU in your local area.

We are one of the biggest forces in the country delivering policing services to the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We've retained a strong neighbourhood policing approach and have more police officers in frontline roles than average.

Our purpose is to deliver SAFER communities and the scale of this challenge includes:; policing across 1,500 square miles, land which is largely rural but with densely populated cities. The changing face of crime, with similar trends to those nationally in terms of increased reports of cyber-crime, child sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. Significant transport network including the M27 and M3, key rail hubs and two international airports. Critical national infrastructure sites to keep safe such as the ports in Southampton and Portsmouth and crucial oil refineries.

Evolve Dynamics is a leading UK-based UAV design and manufacturing company, renowned for delivering robust, high-performance drone systems tailored to demanding operational environments. With a focus on engineering excellence, Evolve Dynamics specialises in developing versatile, mission-ready platforms, such as the Sky Mantis UAV, trusted by emergency services, defence, and industrial clients worldwide. Their commitment to rapid deployment, advanced sensor integration, and reliable performance makes them an ideal supplier for IDI in the Innovate UK Project, supporting the delivery of innovative, scalable drone automation solutions for critical infrastructure and public safety applications.

Big challenges demand big thinkers - those who can unlock the answers and further our understanding of the important issues of our time. Our work encompasses everything from the physical, biological and social sciences, to innovation, engineering, medicine, the environment and the cultural impact of the arts and humanities. In all of these areas, our role is to bring together the people who can innovate and change the world for the better.

We work with the government to invest over £8 billion a year in research and innovation by partnering with academia and industry to make the impossible, possible. Through the UK’s nine leading academic and industrial funding councils, we create knowledge with impact.

‍