A. Armonaitė and representatives of start-up Broswarm discuss development of Lithuanian mine detection technology
Minister of the Economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė met with representatives of Broswarm, an innovative start-up in the country's defence and security sector developing advanced mine detection technology, to discuss the company's business plans. The Minister also congratulated Broswarm on winning first place in the NATO Innovation Challenge. This is the first time a Lithuanian company has won the competition. The start-up also won first place in the "Fire Shield 2023" defence technology hackathon.
"Winning first place in the NATO Innovation Challenge is a testament to the ability of Lithuanian companies to design and develop globally competitive defence technologies. A strong defence industry that develops innovative solutions is crucial for ensuring national security. We will continue to invest in strengthening the defence innovation ecosystem and support companies in this sector to enter international chains," said Minister of the Economy and Innovation Armonaitė.
Broswarm is developing a next-generation sensor that can detect the shape of objects even underground. The main purpose of the device is to detect mines. The data from this unique sensor and other sensors attached to the drone are then processed by artificial intelligence to locate objects in the area under investigation.
The startup has raised $100 million in investment this year. The lead investor is ScaleWolf, a venture capital firm that invests in defence and dual-use technology start-ups.
Broswarm hopes to test its advanced technology under real-life conditions in Ukraine, a country that desperately needs effective solutions for mine detection and neutralisation. Mines kill thousands of people, many of them children.
The Ministry of Economy and Innovation is actively investing in the development of the defence innovation ecosystem. A call for "Defence Innovation Vouchers" was launched this spring. It is intended for defence companies to purchase innovative services from scientific institutions or mature innovators for the development and advancement of defence technologies in line with the priorities set by the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
On the initiative of the Ministry, MILInvest, a €13 million venture capital fund, was established to support the growth of defence start-ups. The Miltech Lab, established at the Innovation Agency, is also helping to strengthen the defence innovation ecosystem by supporting the development of innovative dual-use products and helping the country's defence companies to join international chains.
Some 85 companies are active in the Lithuanian defence and security sector. Lithuanian companies develop advanced defence solutions ranging from drones to laser technology. Technologies developed in the country are exported to NATO countries and Ukraine - the Ukrainian army successfully used Lithuanian technology in its fight for independence.
Last updated: 10-07-2024
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