Funke
Fully Autonomous Flight 2.0
Autonomous drones have the power to dramatically improve the way we live: delivering goods to remote areas, saving lives in extreme conditions, and performing tasks that are dangerous or even impossible for humans. To unlock this potential, we need breakthrough innovation.
The dream of fully autonomous flight is not yet a reality. What is missing are robust systems that can safely navigate complex environments without GNSS or human intervention. We are tackling this problem one more time with our new SPRIND Funke Fully Autonomous Flight 2.0
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The challenge: To develop an autonomous flight system that can operate safely without GNSS support or human control – validated through two clearly defined missions under real-world conditions.
The Funke focuses on developing alternative methods to GNSS-based localization. Examples include approaches based on multimodal technologies – such as combining one or more cameras with other sensors like inertial measurement units – as well as alternative technologies like ultra-wideband or leveraging the Earth’s magnetic field. These examples are by no means exhaustive: other novel and alternative localization methods are equally welcome.
The SPRIND Funke starts on July 1, 2025, and has a duration of 14 months and is divided into two stages. A jury of recognized experts will support SPRIND in evaluating the applications and select up to 15 teams to participate in the first stage.
SPRIND provides substantial, tailored support throughout each phase of the Funke, including financial backing and direct access to a network of experts and potential collaborators. For Stage 1, teams may receive up to EUR 150,000 (plus VAT) over seven months, with funding based on each team’s projected costs. After the first stage, the jury will review interim results, evaluating which teams display the strongest potential for transformative innovation. Up to ten teams will advance to Stage 2, with funding of up to EUR 350,000 (plus VAT) per team over another seven months..
The application period runs until June 09, 2025, 11:59 PM CET. All applications submitted by this deadline will be considered. Please read the call for proposals and the participation agreement carefully before applying, and submit your application exclusively via the application form.
Ready for the next leap?
Detailed information can be found in the call for submissions and the participation agreement.
To introduce the SPRIND Funke and address open questions, we are offering a webinar on May 15, 2025, from 5:00–6:00 PM CET.
Ready for the next breakthrough? The deadline for applications is June 09, 2025, 23:59 CET.
This was Funke 1.0 with science youtuber Jacob Beautemps.
Do you have further questions?
Please feel free to contact us at challenge@sprind.org.
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Wann werden wir von elektrischen Flugtaxis abgeholt? Wie autonom fliegt der Autopilot? Und wie hart ist die Drohnen-Challenge der SPRIND? Unser Host Thomas Ramge spricht mit Anne-Sophie Polz, Pilotin und Drohnenentwicklerin von der Technischen Universität Berlin.
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