Civil Security Systems from the Air to the Ground

Develop innovative solutions for civil protection and help shape the future of drone technology. The Drone Challenge Brunswick brings together students and start-ups from across Germany to work in interdisciplinary teams and tackle real-world challenges in civilian security research and drone applications.

Innovation for Civil Protection

Drones are already making valuable contributions to civil protection by supporting search and rescue missions, providing situational awareness, and assisting emergency responders. However, their potential extends far beyond these applications. With the Drone Challenge Brunswick, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Lower Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture (MWK), and the Volkswagen Foundation have created a platform where innovative ideas for civilian security applications can be developed and tested in a realistic competition environment.

Students and start-ups are invited to work together to develop innovative solutions for drone applications in the air and the supporting technologies that enable their operation on the ground. From flight guidance systems, sensor technologies, and information processing to situational awareness and communication solutions, participants will demonstrate their concepts in a hands-on competition.

The Challenge is supported by a range of public safety authorities and organizations (Behörden und Organisationen mit Sicherheitsaufgaben, BOS), including federal and state police forces, organizations of the German Red Cross, fire and rescue services, and the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS). Their involvement ensures that the competition addresses real operational needs and reflects practical challenges in civil protection.

Why participate?

  • Work with drones to tackle real-world challenges in civilian security research.
  • Develop and showcase innovative prototypes as part of an interdisciplinary team.
  • Connect with experts from research, public safety authorities and organizations (BOS), and industry.
  • Build your network with fellow students, start-ups, and potential employers.
  • Present your solutions to an expert jury.
5 November 2026

Symposium

The Drone Challenge Brunswick begins with a one-day symposium at DLR in Braunschweig, bringing together prospective participants, researchers, industry representatives, and experts from public safety authorities and organizations (BOS). Invited speakers will present the latest developments in drone technologies, U-space, air traffic management, and security applications. The competition tasks and rules will be officially unveiled, while the symposium also serves as a platform for team registration, introductory briefings, and networking.

Spring 2027

Challenge

The main event, the three-day Drone Challenge Brunswick, is where teams of students and start-ups put their ideas into practice. Participants will test and demonstrate the solutions they have developed in advance while tackling a series of exciting competition challenges. Operating their drones in the 45-metre-wide DLR Drone Cage, teams will face a realistic mission scenario in which they must detect and identify hazardous objects. The Challenge covers a wide range of topics, including UAS configuration, sensor integration, communication and networking, situational awareness, and flight guidance systems. At the end of the competition, all teams will present their solutions to an expert jury for evaluation.

Who can participate?

The Challenge is open to:

  • Students enrolled at German universities
  • Start-ups with an interest in drone and security technologies

Teams are expected to work in an interdisciplinary manner, with at least half of all team members enrolled as students. Individuals and incomplete teams are welcome to attend the symposium, where they will have the opportunity to meet potential teammates and form teams.

Prizes

  • 1st Prize: €5,000
  • 2nd Prize: €3,000
  • 3rd Prize: €1,000

In addition, the winning team will be invited to a special experience at the DLR site in Braunschweig.

Teams will be evaluated and awarded by a jury consisting of industry experts and operational practitioners.

The detailed participation requirements and evaluation criteria will be published during the symposium.

Organizers

The Drone Challenge Brunswick is jointly organized by: