Funke
Anti-Drone Response 2.0
Small and micro drones have rapidly evolved into a significant security challenge – whether in urban environments, at airports, during major events, or around critical infrastructure. They are inexpensive, readily available, adaptable, and increasingly equipped with autonomous capabilities. Existing countermeasures are overwhelmed by the speed, diversity, and agility of these systems.
The first SPRIND Funke Anti-Drone Response
demonstrated that, despite strong and diverse technological approaches, no team was able to deliver an autonomous, civilian-compatible soft-kill system capable of reacting consistently, reproducibly, and in line with the specifications. Key components such as reliable detection and classification, robust decision-making logic, and reversible intervention mechanism were not yet integrated into a cohesive system. The core challenge therefore remains unresolved. Yet the potential of such soft-kill solutions is considerable: they can set new standards for protecting civilian spaces and critical infrastructure. Reversible interception mechanisms can reliably halt unauthorized UAVs or safely recover fly-aways.
The goal of the SPRIND Funke Anti-Drone Response 2.0
is to develop new, scalable, and above all de-escalatory approaches that can flexibly respond to diverse threat scenarios and effectively protect public airspace.
SPRIND is conducting the Anti-Drone Response 2.0
Funke in close cooperation with the Swedish innovation agency Vinnova.
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The challenge: to develop a fully autonomous system capable of neutralizing small and micro UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) of up to 25 kg and 200 km/h autonomously, precisely, and non-destructively in real time—without explosives, without kinetic means, and without collateral damage.
We are seeking adaptive solutions that can reliably detect and clearly classify threats and respond with situation-appropriate, reversible measures such as guided interception, controlled redirection, blocking, or safe retrieval. Complementary approaches such as directional-effect impulses, sensory disorientation, coordinated swarm interventions, or adaptive capture/containment mechanisms are permitted. The solution requires data fusion and the integration of hardware and software to enable an end-to-end process in which perception and neutralization are aligned and directly coordinated.
The SPRIND Funke starts on March 1, 2026, and runs for a total duration of 15 months across three stages. A jury of recognized experts supports SPRIND in evaluating applications and will select up to 15 teams for participation in the first stage.
Teams participating in this Funke will be challenged at every step. SPRIND provides intensive and individualized support at each stage, including extensive testing opportunities, financial support, and targeted coaching and mentoring through our broad network of experts and potential cooperation partners.
For Stage 1, which runs for four months, teams can receive up to €100,000 (plus VAT). After the first stage, the jury reviews interim results to determine which teams demonstrate the highest breakthrough innovation potential. Up to twelve teams will advance to Stage 2 and receive up to €100,000 (plus VAT) per team over the subsequent four months. Up to ten teams may qualify for Stage 3, which runs for seven months and provides funding of up to €300,000 (plus VAT).
The application period runs until Feburary 8, 2026, 11:59 PM CET. All applications submitted by this deadline will be considered. Please read the call for submission and the participation agreement carefully before applying, and submit your application exclusively via the online application form.
Apply by February 8, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CET using the online application form.
To introduce the SPRIND Funke and address open questions, we are offering a webinar on January 14, 2026, from 3:00–4:00 PM CET. Please register here.
Do you have any questions about the Challenge? Write to us at challenge@sprind.org.
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