PNT

The HMGCC PNT (Positioning, Navigation and Timing) Challenge seeks innovative tracking solutions for situations where GNSS/GPS signals are unavailable. Small, low-power devices are required to track government staff in remote or hostile locations. The challenge provides £60 k funding for a 12-week project and calls for TRL 3–6 prototypes that can demonstrate alternatives to GNSS. Systems must meet stringent size and power constraints, achieve <100 m accuracy (aspirationally <10 m), store data for later retrieval and avoid emitting continuous RF signatures. The context emphasises that GNSS signals can be disrupted by jamming, weather or urban canyons. Alternative technologies include inertial navigation, opportunistic use of existing radio infrastructure and specialised beacons. An example use case describes a reconnaissance mission where an operative named Jonny carries a miniaturised tracker; the device stores his movements without broadcasting them. After the mission, data is downloaded to reconstruct his path. The challenge encourages exploration of such approaches to improve national-security operations and asset protection.