Startups provide commercial technology to their allies and solve the challenges of the open Indo-Pacific, free of charge.
Startups Mistral Inc. and Zoltix have received a total of $150,000 awards for each of the first-place solutions pitched in a two-part joint challenge of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Singapore Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) did. The initiative sets a pathway to adopt and expanding new unmanned aerial systems (UAS) communications and counter-UA (CUAS) technologies from businesses to solve the operational challenges faced by both armies.
This is the first collaboration born out of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of Singapore MINDEF and the Department of Defense Innovation Cooperation. The joint challenge consisted of two award opportunities where companies identified and expanded dual-use technologies for operational demand.
The first prize challenge called for startups to help ships operating near the coast continue to detect, track, identify and disrupt fraudulent drones.
The second award challenge called for startups to provide resilient communication with small commercial drones during humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) missions.
Of the 49 companies around the world who proposed challenge solutions, 10 were selected for the final pitch event and competed for the opportunity to win the Technology Awards.
Mistral Inc. receives USD 80,000 in its CUAS Victus C2 Gateway solution and combines detection, tracking and destructive technologies (including both radio frequency (RF) sensors and motion and non-operational effects) to meet operational requirements Combined in a cost-effective package. . A standout feature of Mistral’s solution is its ability to integrate with existing defense systems, avoid creating their own silos, and ensure compatibility with current operational tools.
This challenge provided access to defense experts and optimized the open architecture for scalability and future mission adaptability of the CUAS Victus C2 Gateway System,” said Mistral Inc.’s senior vice-president of business development Yoavanai The president explained. “Operational testing has proven the effectiveness of our solutions to address real-world maritime security challenges, improving our reliability as a trusted vendor.
Victus C2 Gateway systems meet the need for swap solutions that can operate effectively in competing environments. Mistral’s open architecture integration ensures the adaptability of the solution to future mission requirements and increases the value for fighter jets.
Zoltix was awarded US$70,000 to provide insight into spectral activity while providing solutions using radio operations through automated sensing and self-regulation.
Zoltix’s adaptive communication system allows small commercial drones to maintain a secure and stable connection in an RF contest environment. The system’s ability to dynamically sense and regulate frequencies address the critical needs of reliable drone communications during HADR missions and in the challenged environments of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
The solutions we provide could increase the security and resilience of fighter jets in contested environments as UAS usage continues to increase.” “Dynamically adapt, learn and informative communications Without a solution, fighters risk losing important UAS assets and communications during contested engagement.
Zoltix’s technology integrates seamlessly with existing drone platforms, reducing the need for custom modifications. This ensures scalability across a wide range of operations, allowing fighters to maintain situational awareness and mission-critical communication.
By refinement of commercial technology to meet operational demand, converging access to national security and private sector expertise, and overseeing non-traditional companies, startups participating in the challenge are the defence market We provided results that can be used quickly. Furthermore, this challenge opened the door for future collaboration and growth opportunities, exposing businesses to new potential defence customers.
Other companies in the DIU US-Singapore Joint Challenge have received a total of $130,000 awards.
New York-based Black River Systems Company, Inc. adapted low-cost ninja CUAS-based solutions for port and ship protection.
Aurelius Systems, Inc, based in San Francisco, California. developed an edge-deployed CUAS-oriented energy solution to protect fighter jets from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in groups 1 and 2 during operation.
Virginia-based DOMO Tactical Communications (DTC) uses its technology to operate small drones with uninterrupted communications in uncontested environments through low latency, allowing fighter jets to operate small drones in uncontested environments, experiencing a noisy RF environment. It has become effective in.
North Carolina-based Tilt Autonomy leveraged frequency hopping spread spectrum technology from its low-cost UAS communications platform.
