1 Brief description (elevator pitch)
The challenge is looking for novel solutions to detect and combat hostile electronic countermeasures (EloKa) that aim to counter unmanned systems (UXS). We are looking for disruptive approaches that detect jamming, spoofing and the like at an early stage, localize them precisely, analyze them intelligently and neutralize them effectively – be it through protection, deception or effects in the electromagnetic spectrum.
The aim is to maintain the operational capability of own UXS platforms even under active electronic threat – and to create active, tactically connectable countermeasures against enemy EloKa for the first time.
2 The Challenge
The increasing proliferation of unmanned systems (UXS) is fundamentally changing the battlefield – and bringing an equally rapidly growing number of enemy countermeasures onto the scene. Electronic warfare (EW) in particular has become a key threat to the effective use of own UXS. Due to the Ukraine war, the number of EloKa measures is becoming increasingly available, increasingly simple and increasingly decentralized. Targeted disruptive measures such as jamming, spoofing or electronic takeover can significantly impair navigation, control, sensor technology and data transmission – with a direct impact on the ability to act and protect own forces.
Despite this threat situation, there is still a lack of scalable, tactically deployable and technologically advanced solutions that can detect, localize and disable enemy electronic countermeasures at an early stage. Protecting your own unmanned systems from such attacks is therefore an operational necessity – and a strategic need for innovation.
Protecting your own unmanned systems from enemy electronic attacks has so far mainly been done reactively – for example by changing frequencies or by using different transmitters and receivers in new frequency ranges.
The security policy developments of recent years – in particular the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine – underline the increasing relevance of the electromagnetic spectrum as a battlespace. The means used are also becoming increasingly visible outside of armed conflicts in the civilian sector.
There is therefore an acute need to develop new solutions that make it possible to detect enemy EloKa activities at an early stage, analyze them in a targeted manner and combat them effectively – with the aim of permanently securing the operational capability of our own unmanned systems.
The challenge addresses precisely this gap and is looking for new innovative solutions. It is aimed at teams that can develop technologies or concepts to permanently secure the operational capability of unmanned systems in the electromagnetic spectrum – be it through detection, classification, protection, deception or direct neutralization of hostile EloKa means.
The aim is a real technological leap – away from reactive individual measures and towards scalable and integrable capabilities for electronic effects. And thus a contribution to the electronic defense capability of the future.
3 The aim
The aim of the Challenge is to develop innovative technological approaches to detect and counter enemy electronic countermeasures that specifically target our own unmanned systems.
We are looking for solutions that are able to:
- detect, localize and classify active sources of interference,
- analyze their signals and patterns in real time,
- and initiate effective countermeasures – for example by circumventing the disruption, targeted deception or protective mechanisms for your own systems.
The spectrum ranges from sensor technology, signal processing and system networking to adaptive effects in the electromagnetic spectrum. Solutions for hardening your own systems against electronic interference are also expressly welcome.
The focus is on solutions that enable one or more of the following capabilities:
Clarification
- Detection of active opposing electronic interference sources
- Localization and classification of enemy emissions in the electromagnetic spectrum
- Real-time analysis of the threat situation and interpretation of fault patterns
- Differentiation between technical faults and targeted measures
Effect
- Neutralization of opposing EloKa agents
- Deception or overloading of enemy systems
- Camouflage or concealment of own systems in the EM spectrum
- Adaptive response mechanisms (e.g. frequency hopping, system resilience)
- Hardening your own drones against measures such as jamming or spoofing
Solutions that:
- are modular and interoperable,
- also work in motion,
- can act autonomously or semi-autonomously,
- remain operational under difficult environmental conditions (e.g. fog, rain, cold, heat),
- have a recognizable dual-use potential.
All technical means that can be used to reconnoitre and/or combat enemy EloKa are generally permitted. Disruptive technologies and creative approaches that clearly stand out from existing solutions are particularly welcome.
In order to do justice to the different nature of technology maturity and innovation level, the Challenge has a two-pronged structure:
In the practical track, application-oriented prototypes are developed that can be demonstrated under realistic conditions towards the end of the challenge (TRL ≥ 6).
The moonshot track focuses on visionary early-stage concepts that have a high strategic disruption potential – even if they are still at a low level of maturity (TRL 1-6).
Both tracks run in parallel, but follow different evaluation standards and objectives.
4 The procedure
The challenge is designed as a multi-stage process over a period of around four months. It consists of two parallel tracks – the practice track and the moonshot track – and begins with an open application phase. It concludes with a five-day practice week with demonstrations, feedback and jury assessment.
Participation in the two central attendance events (Pitch Day and Practice Week) is mandatory for admitted teams.
Phase 1: Application phase (August 12 – September 26, 2025)
All interested teams – regardless of whether they are applying for the practical track or the moonshot track – submit their solution outline online via the application portal. The outline describes the understanding of the problem, the innovative solution approach and technical implementation perspectives.
Pitch Days (October 07 and 08, 2025 in Erding)
All applicant teams are invited to the Pitch Days. There they present their idea to a panel of experts. The jury then decides which teams will be admitted to the second phase of the challenge. A total of 10 teams per track will be admitted to phase 2. The selection criteria are different for the two tracks.
Phase 2: Work and development phase (October 09 – November 30, 2025)
After the first selection, the real work begins. In phase 2, the selected teams in the practical track receive 50,000 euros to cover material and development costs. They work independently on the further development of their solution. In addition to answers to technical queries, which are made available to all teams, all teams receive the offer of several days of coaching, e.g. to jointly develop a business model and implementation plan for the envisaged solution, to work out a strong appearance in the Practice Week or to jointly develop a product roadmap.
Practice Week & Final Presentation (December 01-05, 2025 in Erding)
The challenge culminates in a five-day final week. During this so-called Practice Week, teams have the opportunity to finalize their solutions, make final adjustments and receive mentoring from experts from the Bundeswehr. At the end of the week, the teams present their refined solutions under realistic conditions. In addition to live demonstrations and technical reviews, the final evaluation is carried out by the jury. The week is structured differently for the moonshot and practical tracks, but is equally obligatory. The best solutions in each track will be awarded prizes at the end of the week.
The most important data at a glance
| Date | Event |
| 12.08.-26.09.2025 | Phase 1: Application phase |
| 07./08.10.2025 | Pitch Days |
| 09.10.-30.11.2025 | Phase 2: Work and development phase |
| 01.-05.12.2025 | Practice Week & final presentation |
5 What happens during the Practice Week? What is the scenario?
As part of the Practice Week, a realistic deployment scenario will be set up that reflects the core of the challenge: Securing your own unmanned systems in electromagnetically contested space.
A platoon of soldiers is given the task of reconnoitring a built-up area with several buildings and road sections and making it accessible to its own forces. Various unmanned ground and air systems (UGV/UAV) are used to carry out the operation – equipped with different radio systems, sensors and control mechanisms.
EloKa actively interferes with its own unmanned systems during exercises. This includes realistic jamming and spoofing scenarios as well as other sources of electromagnetic interference that have a targeted effect against the deployed UXS. The aim is to create a threat image that is as authentic as possible – as can already be observed today in highly dynamic operational situations.
During the challenge week, the teams have three days to technically test, adapt and further develop their systems or concepts under the given disruptive conditions. The conditions and resources (own UXS) can be varied in coordination in order to address specific challenges. The Practice Week is designed in such a way that solutions to individual challenges are taken into account as well as approaches that cover several aspects. Teams can aim to focus on a specific sub-area – e.g. only jamming, only spoofing or only partial aspects of these fields. An overall solution is not necessary. What is crucial is that each solution is tested in the same basic scenario in which at least one unmanned system and one countermeasure are in use.
Different levels of difficulty are simulated in order to realistically depict different performance levels and scenarios. On the fourth day, a structured exercise sequence follows in which the developed solutions are tested under live conditions.
6 Which track is right for me?
Do you have a technically viable idea and are you able to develop a functioning prototype from it in just a few months?
Then the practical track is the way to go: the aim is to build a practical solution that can be demonstrated under realistic conditions at the end of the challenge – with a clear impact and tactical connectivity.
Do you have a visionary idea, a new operating principle or a radically different approach – even if the technical maturity level is still low?
Then you belong in the Moonshot track: This is about concepts with strategic potential that challenge existing paradigms – boldly, creatively and experimentally.
In short:
Practice track: build and show.
Moonshot track: think and redesign.
7 Why should I take part?
Perhaps you are a start-up with an exciting technology that has not yet seen an application environment. Perhaps you are researching innovative solutions for the electromagnetic spectrum at a university or college. Or you have developed an idea as an interdisciplinary team or company for which you have so far lacked a suitable application.
This challenge gives you the opportunity to take your solutions to the next level and present them!
In a realistic, practice-oriented environment, you can further develop your concepts, discuss them with experts from the Bundeswehr and prove your potential.
What you can expect from us:
- 50,000 € Support in the development process – to cover material and development costs
- Direct user feedback from military users and technical experts
- Visibility in a security-relevant innovation environment
- The opportunity for follow-up projects, further cooperation or long-term partnerships
The most successful solutions are followed up in the form of follow-up projects or procurements, depending on the degree of technological maturity.
In order to reward particularly convincing performance, staggered development fees are awarded in both tracks:
Practice track
- 1st place: 100,000 €
- 2nd place: €50,000
- 3rd place: € 20,000
Moonshot track
- 1st place: € 30,000
- 2nd place: € 20,000
- 3rd place: €10,000
Whether you are a small start-up, a well-established SME, a research-strong institute or a courageous individual team: if you have a strong idea, we will give you the stage to show it off.
8 Who can apply?
No fixed legal form is prescribed for teams. This means that large and small industrial companies, start-ups, university and non-university research institutions and even individuals with the relevant technical expertise can take part. Interdisciplinary teams from different institutions are also welcome to participate. However, it is important to note that only one “team lead” can be nominated per team.
The team or organization must be based in an EU or NATO member state.
Excluded from participation are persons who are nationals of a state on the list of states within the meaning of Section 13 (1) No. 17 SÜG.
LINK: State lists within the meaning of Section 13 (1) No. 17 SÜG
Participants should have sound technical knowledge and practical experience that will enable them to deal with the challenge.
Mandatory is required:
- active participation in all phases of the Challenge,
- the willingness to further develop your own approach during the challenge period,
- and the availability for pitch, partnering and test formats on site.
Previous experience or expertise in the armaments and defense sector is not mandatory. Teams with innovative approaches that have not previously had access to traditional procurement processes are particularly welcome.
9 Who organizes the Challenge?
Agentur für Innovation in der Cybersicherheit GmbH (Cyberagentur)
The Cyberagentur was founded in 2020 by the Federal Government with the aim of adopting a strategic and cross-departmental perspective in the field of cyber security. The sole shareholder of the Cyberagentur is the Federal Republic of Germany – jointly represented by the Federal Ministry of Defense (BMVg) and the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI). The Cyberagentur sees itself as a driving force for an open culture of innovation and risk-taking and for a vibrant ecosystem for the promotion of cyber security technology. The Cyberagentur’s mission is to promote research and ground-breaking innovations in the field of cyber security and related key technologies in the area of internal and external security. In doing so, it contributes to the technological sovereignty of Germany and its partners in the cyber and information space.
The Cyber Innovation Hub of the Bundeswehr
The Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub is the “change agent” of our armed forces. With a diverse team of soldiers, reservists and civilian employees, we build bridges between the Bundeswehr and the startup world. Our vision: “Empowering Innovation in Defense”. As an innovation hub, we challenge the status quo and change the Bundeswehr on a daily basis. Together with the startup ecosystem and innovators from the troops, we solve current military challenges. In doing so, we are accelerating change in the Bundeswehr – towards a modern culture of innovation.”
Soldier system innovation lab
With the Soldier System Innovation Laboratory (InnoLabSysSdt), the Wehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe (WIWeB) in Erding is pursuing a novel and successful approach for modern research and development facilities in the organizational area of equipment, information technology and utilization (AIN). This approach provides for direct cooperation with national industry, start-ups, researchers and members of the armed forces as users of new technologies. The aim is to equip the Bundeswehr with the necessary capabilities and equipment in good time to counter new threats through short innovation cycles and to benefit more quickly from new technologies and advances in the digitalization of society. At the same time, the Bundeswehr’s expertise in dealing with high technology is to be strengthened. The innovation projects are closely linked to long-standing research and technology projects in the AIN organizational area. In addition to the high level of technical expertise and the use of diverse testing and inspection facilities, the paths to sustainable continuation of the projects can also be pursued in parallel.
10 What are the selection criteria?
The submitted entries will be evaluated in several stages. In phase 1, a pre-selection of the submitted solutions takes place first. The 20 teams with the best solutions per track will then be invited to the Pitch Days in Erding, where they will present their solutions to a panel of experts. The jury then selects ten teams per track for the work and development phase (phase 2). At the end of phase 2, the solutions are tested in a realistic scenario or presented in the moonshot track and all solutions are evaluated again by a panel of experts.
Selection criteria – Phase 1
Disruption potential – Weighting: Very important – 40%
In this context, the disruptive potential of an idea is determined by its ability to introduce new methodological approaches, technologies or principles of action that go beyond previous possibilities. As only a few scalable, tactically deployable and technologically advanced solutions exist to date in the area of combating hostile electronic countermeasures, the extent to which the proposed solution creates practicable options for action for the first time or significantly surpasses existing paradigms is evaluated here in particular.
Both the originality of the approach and the degree to which it opens up new areas of thought or action in the field of electronic impact are evaluated.
Key questions:
- To what extent does the solution open up practicable options for action in this capability area for the first time?
- How clearly does the approach differ from existing processes or technologies in terms of functionality, operating principle or methodology?
- To what extent does the solution push the boundaries of what is technically or tactically possible in the electronic effect?
- How great is the solution’s potential to replace existing systems or paradigms or to significantly outperform them?
Military added value – Weighting: Very important – 25%
The military added value is measured by how concretely and effectively the solution contributes to ensuring the operational capability of our own unmanned systems. The decisive factor is the extent to which it offers a measurable advantage in realistic deployment scenarios and whether it is so user-friendly that soldiers can use it reliably even under high stress and acute stress. If this is not yet the case in phase 1, an assessment is made as to whether there is a plausible plan for improvement by phase 2 or whether other factors can contribute to a high military benefit in the future, such as a particularly high level of user-friendliness.
Key questions:
- To what extent does the solution contribute to ensuring the operational capability of your own UxS platforms?
- How well can the solution be reliably operated by soldiers under high loads and acute stress?
- To what extent is it clear which specific sub-problem is being addressed, and how completely or effectively is it being solved in the current phase?
Practicability (practice track only) – Weighting: Important – 20 %
Feasibility assesses the technical maturity of the solution and the feasibility of realizing a functional prototype or test setup within the challenge period. The decisive factor is whether the current state of development is plausibly documented, technical risks are realistically assessed and a comprehensible plan for implementation is available.
Key questions:
- How clearly and comprehensibly is the current level of technical maturity described and documented (e.g. tests, prototypes, data)?
- To what extent is the implementation of a functional prototype or test setup realistic and feasible within the challenge period?
- How realistic and complete is the assessment of technical risks, dependencies and planned mitigation measures?
Coherence (moonshot track only) – Weighting: Important – 20%
Coherence describes how clearly and comprehensibly the underlying operating principle is explained and whether all elements of the approach are connected in a meaningful way. Visionary concepts must also be theoretically sound, original and technically plausible in order to be successfully developed further in a later phase.
Key questions:
- To what extent is the principle of action described in a clear, comprehensible and understandable way?
- How well are the individual elements of the approach logically, technically and professionally coherent?
- How well-founded, original and technically plausible is the basis of the approach?
Implementation competence – Weighting: Normal – 15 %
The implementation competence assesses whether the team has the necessary expertise, experience and structure to successfully realize the idea. This includes technical and scientific skills as well as the organization and resources to reliably manage the schedule, development and communication.
Key questions:
- To what extent does the team have the necessary technical and professional expertise to implement the solution?
- How completely does the team structure cover all roles and competencies relevant to implementation?
Note on valuation:
The jury evaluates the concepts in comparison to other submissions within the same track. If the evaluation is very similar, the degree of innovation or the proximity of use may be decisive. The jury’s final decision will be based on all factors and the overall impression. The jury’s decisions are final.