Ministers offer £2m to develop new facial recognition software

Ministers have launched a hunt for technology to identify possible terrorists in crowds.

Up to £2 million is to be made available for research into techniques that could boost efforts to protect people from attack.

The Government hopes the scheme will yield new methods that will improve the surveillance and detection of potential threats in crowds.

Security minister Ben Wallace will announce the new funding at a summit in London on today.

He is expected to say that in light of the horrific attacks in London and Manchester, the Government has committed to review its counter-terror strategy and announce up to £2m to fund research into cutting-edge technology and behavioural science projects designed to keep people safe in crowds.

The competition is being run in a partnership with the Home Office and Defence and Security Accelerator, with support from the Royal Society.

Lucy Mason, head of the Accelerator, said: “Protecting people from terrorism is something we can all do, industry and academics and public servants.

“We don’t have all the answers. So we must bring together the brightest minds from the private sector and academe to help keep our country and people safe and secure.

“The Defence and Security Accelerator exists to help government find and exploit game-changing ideas to help the security services and police stay one step ahead of those who threaten our safety.

“By funding and fast tracking the development of real solutions, we help to bring the innovation community together, rapidly.”