German SPRIND Challenge Offers $566K for Satellite-Free Drone Navigation Breakthrough

A new initiative by Germany‘s Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation (SPRIND) is pushing the boundaries of Drone Technology with a challenge offering up to 500,000 Euros—equivalent to $566,000 USD—for teams that can develop precise drone navigation without satellite support. This competition aims to address critical gaps in autonomous flight for applications like last-mile delivery and search-and-rescue missions, while also acknowledging potential military uses amid growing global tensions.

Why Satellite-Free Navigation Matters

Satellite navigation systems like GPS and Galileo have become unreliable in conflict zones due to widespread jamming. The Forbes report highlights how Russian and Ukrainian forces have disrupted satellite signals, rendering GPS-guided drones and munitions ineffective.

“In military applications, such as those in Ukraine, pragmatic alternatives like fiber optic drones have been adopted because immediate functionality is critical,” Jano Costard, Head of Challenges at SPRIND, told the news outlet.

This challenge seeks to develop alternative navigation systems that can function in GPS-denied environments, a need that extends beyond the battlefield to civilian applications where satellite dependency has hindered progress.

Technical Goals and Applications

In search-and-rescue scenarios, drones need to locate static objects, people, or dummies within a specified area in under 30 minutes, providing precise coordinates. Advanced tasks involve tracking moving subjects for 10 minutes and relaying real-time updates. These capabilities could revolutionize disaster response by enabling drones to operate in areas where satellite signals are unavailable, such as dense urban environments or remote regions.

The Fully Autonomous Flight 2.0 Challenge focuses on two key areas: last-mile delivery and search-and-rescue operations. For delivery, drones must land within 3.3 feet (1 meter) of a designated spot—such as a parcel drop-off point—using only onboard sensors and intelligent decision-making. Costard explained the complexity, stating, “The description may be something like ‘House number 5, in front of the green dustbin’ or ‘Place the parcel next to the bicycle leaning against the front door.’” This requires advanced language processing and environmental awareness, moving beyond simple GPS coordinates.

Industry Impact and Opportunities

The challenge opens new doors for the Drone Industry, particularly in Europe, where SPRIND aims to foster innovation. Teams will compete for initial funding of 100,000 Euros ($113,000 USD) over seven months, with the top 10 advancing to a second stage offering up to 350,000 Euros ($396,000 USD). The competition, open to companies, research institutions, and tech incubators, prioritizes European-based teams but allows U.S. companies with European offices to participate. “Merely maintaining a postal address is insufficient; we require evidence of significant team presence located within Europe,” Costard emphasized.

This initiative could accelerate the adoption of reliable drone delivery services, a sector promised for over a decade but slowed by technical limitations. It also aligns with global trends, as alternative navigation systems like Palantir’s VNav and Maxar’s Raptor Guide gain traction in military contexts. For recreational pilots and drone professionals, this technology promises more robust flight systems, potentially reducing reliance on satellite infrastructure and improving safety in challenging environments.

How to Get Involved

Teams must apply via SPRIND by June 9, 2025, with shortlisted candidates pitching in Leipzig, Germany, on June 26–27. The 14-month development and testing phase will culminate in evaluations by January 2026. This challenge not only offers significant funding but also positions winners at the forefront of a transformative shift in drone technology, addressing both economic and security needs in an increasingly connected world.

For more details, visit the SPRIND challenge page.

Photos courtesy of SPRIND