"This is a unique opportunity for Lithuanian companies and start-ups to contribute to the development of new technologies and to participate in international defence industry supply chains. Although Lithuania's defence industry is young, the number of employees has grown by 14% and the turnover by 46% in just five years. It is important to note that unique technologies developed by Lithuanian companies are already being used successfully in the Ukrainian theatre of war. We have the potential to grow, which is why international recognition is crucial," said Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
The NATO Innovation Challenge is open to companies from Lithuania and other countries, which have until 16 April to submit their proposals for the challenge. The proposals will be evaluated in terms of efficiency, security, innovation and integration. The finalists will be announced on 17 May and the final event of the Challenge will take place in Lithuania on 12 June.
"In conflict and post-conflict zones, areas contaminated with explosive materials pose a serious threat to both military forces and civilians. Innovative solutions for remote sensing and explosive ordnance neutralisation can ensure the safe movement of civilians and military units and facilitate recovery efforts, but their development poses a number of challenges," said Minister of Defence Arvydas Anušauskas.
During the 14th NATO Innovation Challenge Finals in Lithuania, the authors of the best proposals will receive cash prizes and one of the ten final proposals may be further developed and adapted for NATO.
"During the event, the projects will be evaluated by defence experts and representatives from NATO and other countries will come to Lithuania. Lithuanian companies are currently developing many defence innovations and I believe they will actively participate in the challenge and make it to the top ten finalists. Although the competition is tough, our country's companies have a lot of potential," says Sigutė Stankevičiūtė, Head of Unit at ManuFuture Lab, the innovation agency organising the final event.
The challenge requires companies to develop a system that can remotely scan and identify explosives-contaminated sites, a solution that can process the data collected during reconnaissance and present it in a user-friendly way, and technology that can remotely neutralise explosive devices. Safety features must be prioritised to avoid accidental detonation or environmental damage, and be compatible with existing military and humanitarian systems.
To register for the NATO Innovation Challenge, click here.
