In the first stage, three of the most advanced proposals will be selected and their authors will receive €300,000 to develop technological solutions. The second stage will involve developing these technologies, and the third stage will involve testing them in real conditions.
'Recognising the need, we are responding quickly by announcing the first call for proposals and inviting companies to offer solutions that can be implemented in real-life conditions. This is the first practical step in implementing the programme, which aims to create working technological solutions that will enable a quick response to airspace challenges," says Minister of the Economy and Innovation Edvinas Grikšas.
To receive funding, companies must submit a concept for an idea or solution that can be quickly developed into a prototype and implemented. Submitted proposals will be evaluated based on their technological soundness and realistic implementation potential.
The competition is administered by the Innovation Agency. Applications can be submitted until 11 November this year. The terms and conditions of the call are published on the Innovation Agency's website.
"Lithuania has many talented creators and companies that can offer solutions to today's security challenges. This competition invites businesses to support the state in strengthening airspace protection and demonstrate that innovation can form the foundation of our defence when it is most needed," says Patricija Reut, acting head of the Innovation Agency.
A commission will soon be formed to evaluate the proposals and select the three best projects to receive funding.
