Introducing
Project Drone as a First Responder
An Innovate UK Funded Project
In August 2025 Project Drone as a First Responder was selected as one of 8 winning projects.
IDI is leading Project DFR in a consortium of three organisations and two end users.
A New Generation of Automated Drone Systems
This project brings together three innovative UK companies - IDI, Leading Edge Power, and SLiNK-TECH to create a new generation of automated drone systems designed to make critical infrastructure inspection, emergency response, and public safety operations safer, faster, and more cost-effective.
Modular and Interoperable Platform
The project will develop and demonstrate a modular, flexible drone platform that can work with different types of drones and equipment, making it easier for organisations like emergency services and infrastructure operators to use drones as part of their everyday operations. By focusing on open standards and interoperability, the system will allow multiple drones from different suppliers to be managed and operated together, a significant step forward from current single-vendor solutions.
Partnership Expertise
Leading Edge Power will design and build robust docking station shrouds and off-grid power systems, ensuring drones can be deployed reliably in all kinds of environments, from city centres to remote locations. SLiNK-TECH will develop advanced safety solutions for drone landing zones and oversee the project's delivery, ensuring that all operations meet the highest standards for safety and compliance. Evolve Dynamics will provide the latest drone technology for trials and help integrate these drones into the new system.
Real-World Trials and Industry Impact
The project will include real-world trials with UK emergency services and infrastructure operators, gathering valuable data to help shape future regulations and ensure the system meets the needs of its users. All findings and best practices will be shared with the Civil Aviation Authority and the wider industry to support the safe and responsible growth of the UK drone sector.
Benefits for Society
By making drone operations more accessible, reliable, and safe, this project will help unlock the benefits of drones for society, reducing costs, saving time, improving safety, and supporting the UK's goals for innovation and carbon reduction. The work will also support new jobs and skills development in advanced manufacturing, software, and drone operations across the country.
Setting a New Standard
This project aims to set a new standard for drone automation in the UK, demonstrating how collaboration, innovation, and a focus on real-world needs can drive the future of flight.
Our Journey
From concept to national deployment, discover the milestones that shaped our DFR solution
DOCK MVP Launched
First Trial for DFR
National Demo Day
IDI FLY v2 Developed
IUK FF4 Project Kick Off
Deploy DFR Solution Nationally
DOCK MVP Launched
First Trial for DFR
National Demo Day
IDI FLY v2 Developed
IUK FF4 Project Kick Off
Deploy DFR Solution Nationally
Global Trials Launched
Catapult Project Delivered
IDI FLY v1 Developed
IDI ADS 1000 Rugged DFR Solution
IDI Fly v3 Launch
What is the DFR Solution?
Off Grid Powered
Powering drone operations anywhere, our off-grid systems, developed by Leading Edge Power, enable 24/7 deployment even in the most remote or challenging locations. Rugged power modules and advanced endurance analysis ensure our drones, docks, and emergency landing sites stay mission-ready, independent of traditional infrastructure.
Rugged Docking Station
At the core of our platform is the seamless integration of cutting-edge hardware and intelligent software. The IDI Dock and IDI Fly software work together to automate drone missions, manage telemetry, and provide real-time operational oversight.
Monitored TOL Zones
Safety is at the heart of our innovation. The advanced PORTAL system, developed with SLiNK-TECH, delivers robust situational awareness and risk mitigation for both routine and emergency drone landings. We're pioneering safe landing protocols and hardware that integrate seamlessly with our software.
One Comprehensive User Interface
With trusted third-party integrations, we've extended the BVLOS capabilities of IDI Fly. From ground-risk analysis and flight path rerouting, to incursion alerts for precise air-space monitoring and safe mission management.
Project Scope
This project unites leading UK innovators - IDI, SLiNK-TECH, and Leading Edge Power with key UAV Supplier Evolve Dynamics to redefine automated drone operations for Emergency Services and Critical Infrastructure Sectors. Our mission: create a modular, interoperable platform that brings together reliable end-user collaboration, off-grid power resilience, advanced safety for landing zones, and seamless dock-to-software integration. Through rigorous trials with emergency services and infrastructure partners, we're demonstrating how drones can be safely and efficiently deployed, even in complex or remote environments. The result is a future-ready solution that boosts safety, reduces costs, and sets a new benchmark for drone automation, empowering organisations to respond faster, operate smarter, and unlock the full potential of unmanned flight.
Reliable End Users
Reliable End Users
Police End Users
Our project is driven by direct collaboration with some of the UK's most critical end users from Emergency Services, including Thames Valley Police and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary. By integrating their real-world requirements into every stage, we ensure the solutions deliver proven reliability, rapid response, and measurable value in the field.
Off Grid Power Solutions
Off Grid Power Solutions
Power anywhere
Powering drone operations anywhere, our off-grid systems, developed by Leading Edge Power, enable 24/7 deployment even in the most remote or challenging locations. Rugged power modules and advanced endurance analysis ensure our drones, docks, and emergency landing sites stay mission-ready, independent of traditional infrastructure.
Safe Take Off and Landing Zones
Safe Take Off and Landing Zones
Monitoring Incursions
Safety is at the heart of our innovation. The advanced PORTAL system, developed with SLiNK-TECH, delivers robust situational awareness and risk mitigation for both routine and emergency drone landings. We're pioneering safe landing protocols and hardware that integrate seamlessly with our software, validated through extensive trials and real-world deployments.
Ruggedised Docking Stations and Automation
Ruggedised Docking Stations and Automation
Automate and Monitor
At the core of our platform is the seamless integration of cutting-edge hardware and intelligent software. The IDI Dock and IDI Fly software work together to automate drone missions, manage telemetry, and provide real-time operational oversight. From installation to live dashboard integration, our modular approach supports multiple drone types and mission profiles.
The Project Consortium & End Users
Idroneinnovations
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.
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Leading Edge Power
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.
Visit SiteSLiNK-TECH
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.
Visit SiteThames Valley Police
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.
Visit SiteHampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary
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.
Visit SiteUK Innovations and Research
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. 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.
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Learn more about our Innovate UK project.
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Download the official press release announcing Project DFR as one of 8 winning Innovate UK projects.
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See how Project DFR is transforming emergency response capabilities across the UK.
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