Celebrating Innovative SMEs in the JOSCAR UK community

The JOSCAR SME Innovation Awards were presented by His Grace, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, and Amanda Wood, JOSCAR Governance Group Chair, BAE Systems.

At the heart of JOSCAR is a simple belief: SMEs deserve the visibility, access and confidence they need to grow. Across the Defence industry, many innovative businesses struggle to get in front of the right buyers, connect with major primes, or refine their proposition with meaningful feedback.

The JOSCAR SME Innovation Award was created to change that.

This year, we were proud to provide a platform for five exceptional SME finalists to showcase their ideas to more than 400 industry stakeholders at JOSCAR Live.

After an outstanding afternoon of pitches, we are delighted to announce our two 2025 winners:

• Marlin Environmental Services - Winner of the Judges’ Award

• ubloquity - Winner of the Audience Choice Award

Shining a Spotlight on JOSCAR SME Members

The JOSCAR SME Innovation Award exists to shine a spotlight on suppliers who are pushing boundaries - small businesses whose ideas have the potential to drive meaningful change across the Defence sector.

It gives SMEs what they often need most: visibility, expert customer feedback and the chance to pitch directly to leading Defence primes.

From 27 submissions, the judging panel selected five finalists to progress to the last stage, presenting on stage at JOSCAR Live in front of buyers, primes and government representatives.

This year’s finalists demonstrated the breadth of innovation happening across the supply chain - including The 55 Fitness, Oxysystems and Delta Fire, who all delivered inspiring and high-impact pitches.

Judges’ Award Winner: Marlin Environmental Services

Marlin Environmental Services impressed the judging panel made up of BAE Systems, Ultra Maritime, Boeing and Hellios, with an outstanding pitch, earning them the Judges’ Award.

Reflecting on their achievement, Mark Davey, Group Technical Manager, said:

Audience Choice Award Winner: ubloquity

ubloquity was voted the Audience Choice, for their passionate pitch and in recognition of the value of their technology across the supply chain.

Reflecting on the experience, Kieran Kelly, Founder & CEO, shared:

Championing SME Innovation

As sponsor of the SME Innovation Award, BAE Systems plays a central role in championing the visibility and growth of emerging suppliers. Reflecting on the importance of supporting SMEs through platforms like JOSCAR Live, Amanda Wood, JOSCAR Governance Group Chair, BAE Systems, said:

A Celebration of Innovation, Collaboration and Opportunity

The JOSCAR SME Innovation Award is more than an accolade - it is a commitment to supporting the SMEs that bring fresh thinking, agility and technical excellence to the Defence sector.

We’re proud to champion the suppliers who are shaping the future, and to provide a platform where they can share their ideas, receive meaningful feedback and build relationships that lead to potential business opportunities.

Congratulations once again to Marlin Environmental Services, ubloquity, and all our 2025 finalists. We look forward to seeing the next wave of innovators at a future JOSCAR Live.