Anita Friend
Biography
Anita Friend is the Head of the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) which finds and funds exploitable innovation for UK defence and security quickly and effectively, whilst boosting UK prosperity.
In this role, she has placed strong emphasis on taking a collaborative approach across defence, security and industry – enhancing DASA’s service offering to deliver the best solutions for our customers and to help our suppliers grow their business. She has sought to ensure DASA finds ideas from a diverse range of sources and provides services which accelerate and facilitate the turning of great ideas into benefits for defence and our national security.
Anita joined DASA with over 10 years’ experience of working in National Security leadership roles in both Home Office and Cabinet Office. Before moving into the National Security field, Anita started her career in social research working in the private sector.
Interim Head of the Defence and Security Accelerator
The Head of the Defence and Security Accelerator is responsible for the development, operation and leadership of the Accelerator and its staff. They will also build strong relationships between the Accelerator and defence and security departments within the UK Government, industry (including small and medium-sized enterprises), academia and other partners, to deliver value to the security and prosperity of the UK. They report to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Capability and Delivery Director and the Accelerator Development Board.