The five finalists all had to pitch their ideas to the panel of judges with a wealth of experience in innovation and ideation. Each idea was judged on its impact, economic viability, applicability, and innovation, and we're delighted to announce the results…
Joint winner - Idea of the Year
Project APPIVATE and Project SPHINX
The coveted ‘Idea of the Year’ Award is chosen by the judges from all the winners in every category. In a first for ideasUK in the 36 years of the event being held, it was too close to call between two ideas.
The trophy was jointly awarded to Project APPIVATE and Project SPHINX. The hosts have kindly agreed to have a second trophy created so both teams can enjoy their outstanding success.
Winner - Digital and Technology category
Project APPIVATE
The Appivate team have successfully established an in-house software development factory and, having started as an Astra innovation project, are now formally part of RAF Digital. As well as providing support to other Astra innovation projects, they are building applications that are making a real difference to the RAF such as the HR Hub suite of applications that streamline and automate HR processes. By delivering the capability in-house, they're not only ensuring that applications are developed according to all military requirements but saving millions of pounds in the process. The project won the Digital and Technology category.
Winner - Value for Money category
Project CADMIUM PLATING
71 (Inspection and Repair) Squadron at RAF Wittering have been using their engineering excellence to increase efficiencies for the RAF. Making the most of the skills of our engineers, they developed an in-house process to repair Typhoon monoforks that is returning aircraft to the frontline quicker. Repairing them on site and removing the need to send the parts to a contractor for repair means they're not only identifying financial savings for the RAF but they're also reducing our carbon footprint. The project won the Value for Money category.
Winner - Innovation category
Project SPHINX
Wg Cdr Casson and Sgt Raheem have been developing a Virtual Reality command and control system that is already delivering support to specialist military teams. The system stitches imagery over existing virtual environments to give a real-time, accurate 3D visual representation of a location to enhance tactical planning. Project SPHINX allows users to navigate using GPS, conduct safe and swift reconnaissance, and gain greater situational awareness. The concept demonstrator has already been successfully created and is proving its use in a variety of situations. The project won the Innovation category.
Runner up - Digital and Technology category
Project ARTEMIS
Having only received their equipment a few short months ago, Project ARTEMIS has made exceptional progress in delivering nano-drone capabilities to the RAF for Force Protection activities. Based at RAF Brize Norton, they already have 50 people trained on the squadron to effectively and precisely operate the nano-drones at speeds of more than 70mph, all while completing operational deployments. The project was runner-up in the Digital and Technology category this year.
Runner up - Sustainability category
Project TANKER
Monitoring all fuel within an aircraft is critical, particularly for planning of air-to-air refuelling requirements. Project TANKER is an application that was the idea of Wg Cdr Udall and subsequently developed by the Appivate team. It automates fuel calculations, reducing the potential for human error and increasing flight safety while also enhancing sustainability by reducing fuel wastage. The project was runner-up in the Sustainability category.
A huge congratulations to all our innovators recognised publicly at the ideasUK Awards 2023.
