Looking Ahead.
The NATO Innovation Challenge, launched in 2017 by Allied Command Transformation, catalyzes the discovery of novel, cost-effective solutions to the Alliance’s most pressing operational problems. Held twice annually, each iteration of the challenge centers on a unique problem set and invites submissions from across NATO and partner nations, including startups, academic institutions, defense contractors, and research organizations.
Latest Challenge
Medical Care In A Transparent & Contested Battlespace
ATO’s Allied Command Transformation launched the 17th edition of the NATO Innovation Challenge.
This Innovation Challenge focuses on Medical Care in a Transparent and Contested Battlespace.
Are you Up To the Challenge?
The NATO Innovation Challenge is a scenario-based challenge focused on solving common NATO and NATO Nations operational problems efficiently and cost-effectively. These are co-organized by NATO ACT Innovation and NATO Nations. With two Innovation Challenges a year, each challenge focuses on a new topic and is hosted by a different NATO Nation.
Past Challenges
| Date | Country | Objective | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2025 | PL | DETECT, INTERCEPT, or NEUTRALIZE a Glide Bomb | Alta Ares (FR) |
| Spring 2024 | LT | Remote Explosive-Contaminated Area Recognition and Neutralization | Broswarm (LT) |
| Fall 2023 | SI | Planning, Preparation and Real-time monitoring of military movements and transport | Yarded (DE) |
| Spring 2023 | DK | Monitoring the Artic | Kuva Space (FI) |
| Fall 2022 | RO | Resilience | Team BWI innoX (DE) |
| Spring 2022 | MK | Bio Response | KROMEK (US) |
| Fall 2021 | CA | Countering Cognitive Warfare | Veriphix (US) |
| Spring 2021 | PT | Space Domain Awareness | Share My Space (FR) |
| Fall 2020 | IT | Trust in autonomous systems | Royal Military Academy of Belgium (BE) |
| Spring 2020 | NL | Situation Awareness and Disinformation | VerifEye (UK) |
| Fall 2019 | HU | Optimizing Leader’s Development | Sana (US) |
| Spring 2019 | CZ | Prevent and Recover Electro-Magnetic Pulse | Electronics Service (US) |
| Fall 2018 | DE | Counter UAS/UAV in urban areas | ALX Systems (BE) |
| Spring 2018 | FR | Big Data and Analytics Visualization | Dataiku (FR) |
| Fall 2017 | US | Support Stability Policing | What3words (UK) |
Open to All NATO Nations
However, it prioritizes access for non-traditional innovators (academia, individuals, and start-ups) to expand NATO’s network and collaboration with industry and academia. The NATO Innovation Challenge aims to develop a shared culture of innovation and transformation among NATO Nations while providing visibility for participants and their solutions, with the potential to receive support to develop their products for the winner.
Past Host Countries
Grow the NATO Innovation Network
The challenge is the cornerstone for creating a NATO-Wide Innovation Network. Hence, there are usually two Innovation Challenges each year; each differs from the other, focusing on a particular problem within NATO’s Allied Command Transformation (ACT) and its Alliance. A NATO member state hosts each new challenge. It’s an excellent opportunity to give them the visibility and support they need to develop their local innovation ecosystem and expand their international outreach.
Develop a global security and Defense Innovation Ecosystem
The NATO Innovation Challenge model is straightforward, practical, and accessible to anyone. It also ensures that no one is excluded, and the innovation has no boundary as the public, academia, industry, government, and the Military are eligible to join the challenge.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, need more information, or would like to express your interest in participating in a challenge, please don’t hesitate to contact us by clicking on the contact button below.
News About Innovation Challenge
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Challenge Finalists selected
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NATO ACT Launches Next Challenge: Monitoring the Arctic