Organizers
The Drone Challenge Brunswick brings together research, higher education, and start-ups to address the needs of civil protection. Together, we aim to connect the next generation of researchers and innovators with practitioners while fostering the development of innovative technologies for civilian security and civil protection.
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is Germany's national research and technology center for aeronautics and space. Its research and development activities also encompass energy, transport, security, and defence. DLR's broad portfolio of research results and innovations benefits industry and business, public authorities, and society as a whole. Through intensive knowledge exchange and targeted technology transfer, DLR fulfills its responsibility to society. DLR is funded by the German federal government. The German Space Agency at DLR is responsible for planning and implementing Germany's national space programme on behalf of the Federal Government. In addition, two DLR Project Management Agencies manage research and innovation funding programmes on behalf of public-sector clients.
The scientific coordination of the competition is led by DLR's Institute of Flight Guidance and Institute of Flight Systems.
DLR's Institute of Flight Guidance conducts research and develops innovative concepts for the air traffic management systems of the future. A key focus is the safe integration of emerging aircraft, such as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), into the airspace. Its research covers areas including flight planning, navigation, communication, and the interaction between crewed and uncrewed aircraft. The institute's expertise directly contributes to the Drone Challenge Brunswick, ensuring that the competition is closely aligned with current research and real-world challenges.
DLR's Institute of Flight Systems develops and evaluates innovative technologies for next-generation aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Its research spans autonomous flight systems, sensor technologies, flight control, system integration, and the testing and validation of emerging technologies. With its expertise in advanced drone systems, the institute provides a key scientific foundation for the Drone Challenge Brunswick and supports the development of practical solutions for civil protection applications.
Lower Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture
The Lower Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture (MWK) promotes science, research, and innovation across Lower Saxony. Its mission is to foster excellence in research while creating tangible benefits for society and supporting the next generation of researchers and innovators.
The Lower Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture (MWK) is responsible for higher education, the promotion of science and research, as well as arts, culture, adult education, and cultural heritage preservation in Lower Saxony.
Through its funding programmes and strategic initiatives, the MWK strengthens Lower Saxony as a leading location for science, research, and culture while fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between academia, the cultural sector, and society.
Volkswagen Foundation
The Volkswagen Foundation is Germany's largest private research funding foundation. It supports outstanding research projects and creates opportunities for pioneering ideas, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the next generation of researchers.
By supporting the Drone Challenge Brunswick, the Volkswagen Foundation promotes knowledge transfer between academia, industry, and society while fostering innovative solutions to today's challenges.