On 17 May 2024, Allied Command Transformation announced the Innovation Challenge Finalist for the 14th edition of the competition. The announcement of the eleven finalists is the culmination of an evaluation process that began in April 2024 that called on individuals, academia, and companies from around the globe to address the threats posed by explosive-contaminated areas. In this iteration, more than 50 submissions were received coming from 13 countries: Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The Innovation Challenge was created in 2017 with the intent to resolve common NATO and national operational problems in an innovative and cost-effective manner. There are two iterations of the challenge each year, each with a unique problem set.
The 14th edition of the Innovation Challenge is focused on Remote Explosive-Contaminated Area Recognition and Neutralization, otherwise known as remote mine clearance operations. This is an issue of great importance to the NATO community, and the broader world audience. With more than half of the countries in world known to have explosive-contaminated areas within their borders, there is an ever present need for innovative solutions for remote reconnaissance and neutralization of these explosives.
The finalist for the 2024 challenge will participate in a Pitch Day scheduled to occur in the vibrant city of Vilnius, Lithuania on June 12th, 2024. These selected finalists will have the opportunity to meet and work with NATO as well as other potential collaborators, investors, and industry leaders. The top three solutions presented will be awarded monetary prizes to be put towards the research of their respective projects, with the overall winner given the opportunity to develop their solution directly with Allied Command Transformation.
The finalists for this competition are:
- AAEG : Remote Explosive-Contaminated Area Recognition and Neutralization (France)
- AAI Labs : VR 3D Warzone Area Maps – Utilizing Virtual Reality For Mine Clearing (Lithuania)
- AGAI DRM : Advanced Aerial Mine Detection System (AAMDS) – Integrating Multisensor Technology for Efficient Minefield Management (Lithuania)
- BROSWARM : Payload for a Drone (Lithuania)
- EAGLE AI4D : Explosive Detection and Neutralization Platform (Lithuania)
- Ethicronics : Integrating Satellite and Drone Technology for Enhanced Security in Conflict Zones (France)
- RAS Lab : DeNEMIS: Detection and Neutralisation of Explosives with Multi-robot and Intelligent Systems (Belgium)
- Unmanned Dynamics : Integrated UAV and UGV Swarm Approach for Remote Demining Operations (Lithuania)
- UXOXO : Leveraging AI and Unmanned Systems for Combat Breaching (USA)
- Varuna : Varuna-98 (Latvia)
- Virginia Uncrewed Systems : Minesweeper on the Edge (USA)
Explosive-contaminated areas represent a threat to civilian and military personnel alike, while also threatening global peace and security initiatives. Finding innovative solutions and fostering dialogue on this issue is a critical challenge facing the NATO community.