This year the Ministry of Defence will support the innovative and smart product projects of seven companies that participated in the Defence Innovation Competition.
The supported projects include a tactical data exchange platform compatible with a combat control system, an infrared thermal camera for both satellites and drones, a directional mine training system, a mixed reality solution for armoured vehicles, a gyrostabilized electro-optical system compatible with different platforms, and a universal container for decontaminating and washing vehicles and equipment.
“Held for the ninth time, each year the competition has delivered innovative solutions and technologies with export potential for our defence industry. In addition, the implementation of each supported project sees extra money being brought back to our economy as well,” said Tiina Uudeberg, Undersecretary for Defence Planning at the Ministry of Defence. “The competition gives many Estonian companies their first practical experience in developing innovative defence industry products. In addition, the Ministry of Defence assists companies in securing external funding from the European Defence Fund for further product development and promotes business diplomacy by supporting the companies in reaching foreign markets. During the period of 2013–2021, we have supported 41 projects with a total of EUR 3 million,” Uudeberg added.
According to Undersecretary Tiina Uudeberg, cooperation between the defence industry and the Defence Forces is of critical importance because the defence industry needs the advice and recommendations of experts from the Defence Forces to develop the best solutions. It also creates an excellent opportunity to test products with the Defence Forces. “It is important that we be informed about the latest solutions and projects in the field, which we can use to strengthen Estonia’s defence capability, if necessary,” noted the Undersecretary.
This year, 12 companies submitted 11 applications to the competition. The total cost of the projects was EUR 2.55 million, with EUR 1.13 million requested from the Ministry of Defence.
List of projects that received support in 2022
- Wayren OÜ/DefenceLab OÜ “Tactical Data Exchange Platform with Armoured Troops Awareness System Integration”
Grant EUR 71,184; 45% of the total project cost - Hevi Optronics OÜ “Development of control electronics and software for gyrostabilized electro-optical systems”
Grant EUR 74,655; 45% of the total project cost - Defensphere OÜ “Vegvisir Mixed Reality Situational Awareness System”
Grant EUR 199,731; 45% of the total project cost - Milson OÜ “Directional Mine Training System”
Grant EUR 15,156; 45% of the total project cost - SpaceIT OÜ “MilCaM: Multi-Sensor Thermal Infrared Camera for Satellites and Drones”
Grant EUR 103,725; 45% of the total project cost - Bristol Trust LLC “Universal Container”
Grant EUR 200,000; 31% of the total project cost
The Defence Innovation Competition is the Ministry of Defence’s primary supporting measure for Estonian companies developing defence-related products.
The competition has a budget of up to EUR 700,000. One project can receive a maximum of EUR 200,000 in support. The support of the Ministry of Defence for one development project is generally 25%, but may reach up to 45% of the total project cost, depending on the potential of the project.
The requests were assessed by a Commission that included representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Forces, internal security authorities, Estonian economic development agencies, and universities.
Additional information: [email protected]