In a remarkable achievement for the Lithuanian defense technology sector, BROSWARM, a Lithuanian company, has triumphed in the 15th NATO Innovation Challenge. The company was recognized for its innovative solution designed for the remote detection and neutralization of mines.
The final event, held in Vilnius on 12th of June saw an international panel of experts evaluate ten finalists from Lithuania, the USA, the UK, France, Belgium, and Latvia. BROSWARM impressed the judges with its cutting-edge drone platform that leverages data from various sensors processed by artificial intelligence. This technology, featuring unique sensors capable of detecting the shape of objects underground, earned BROSWARM the top spot and a cash prize of $5,000.
In a strong showing for Lithuania, the second place also went to a local company, Unmanned Dynamics, which received a $2,500 prize. The third place and a $1,000 prize were awarded to AAEG from France.
Minister of Economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė highlighted the significance of this achievement: “The fact that Lithuanian companies took the top two places in the NATO Innovation Challenge, surpassing representatives from leading defense industry nations like the USA and France, demonstrates the immense potential of our country’s defense technology and innovation sector. The turnover of Lithuania’s defense sector has doubled over five years to 700 million euros, with a 14% increase in employees in this field. Our defense sector innovations are widely applied in global markets and help grow our country’s economy. Recognition in the NATO Challenge will open even more international opportunities to contribute to the security of Lithuania and our allies.”
Sigutė Stankevičiūtė, head of the ManuFuture Lab at the Innovation Agency, emphasized the importance of advanced technologies in modern defense: “Advanced technologies play a crucial role in ensuring NATO’s defensive advantage and, consequently, our security. As the experience of the war in Ukraine shows, advanced technologies help withstand even significantly larger enemy forces, protect lives, and conserve resources. Lithuanian companies can undoubtedly contribute to NATO’s technological superiority by developing strong solutions like those presented by the finalists of this challenge.”
The 15th NATO Innovation Challenge attracted over 50 companies from various Alliance countries, with nearly a quarter of the applications coming from Lithuanian firms. Five Lithuanian companies made it to the final: “AAI Labs,” “AGAI DRM,” “Broswarm,” “Eagle AI4D,” and “Unmanned Dynamics.”
The panel for this year’s challenge included NATO ACT Deputy Chief of Staff Brigadier General Ivar Knotten, Allied Command Transformation representative Lieutenant Colonel Nicolas Koudinoff, Allied Forces Transformation representatives Lieutenant Colonel Guy Dedecker, Lieutenant Colonel Thorsten Ritter, Adjutant Gino Lambercht, Bundeswehr representative Captain Philipp Dahlhaus, US consultants Marty Kaszubowski and Jerry Cronin, and representatives of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Major Regimantas Balius, Major Nerijus Milašius, and Captain Mantas Liutkus.
The NATO Innovation Challenge, held twice a year, seeks innovative solutions to pressing defense issues in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The 15th Challenge final was organized by NATO in collaboration with the Innovation Agency, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, and the Ministry of National Defense.
