Technology entrepreneur joins National Armaments Director Group, bringing more than 30 years of experience across science, finance and industry.
He will lead UK Defence Innovation (UKDI), part of the newly designed National Armaments (NA) Innovation area which sits under Director General Innovation Anthony Reeves .
NA Innovation brings together some 4,800 experts and scientists in UKDI , the Defence Investment Unit, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and the Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre (DUSC). It has a ringfenced £1.6 billion defence innovation budget over the next four years (UKDI), as well as supporting £2.1 billion of investment in core science and technology.
Led by Dr Kirk, UKDI will support the NAD Group’s commitments under the Strategic Defence Review, including delivering innovative capability at rapid pace and creating economic growth through increased production, export opportunities and jobs, while ensuring innovation remains at the heart of UK military capability.
With UKDI being the single point of contact for industry to engage with defence on innovation challenges and opportunities, Dr Kirk will build relationships with the UK’s technology sector, venture capitalists and private equity investors.