Spade Project
Multi-purpose physical-cyber agri-forest drones ecosystem for governance and environmental observation
OPEN CALL #2
Call for Evaluators (EV)
www.spade-horizon.eu
Evaluators (EV)
Introduction
SPADE is seeking independent evaluators to assess applications submitted to Open Call #2. As an evaluator, you will play a critical role in ensuring the quality and fairness of the selection process by providing impartial, technical, and scientific reviews of proposals. This is an opportunity to leverage your expertise to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in drone technologies and SPADE architecture.
Eligible evaluators must meet specific criteria. Prior experience in evaluating technological projects and a deep understanding of technical, scientific, and commercial aspects of drone technologies are essential. Importantly, evaluators must maintain neutrality, with no affiliation to organizations participating in the SPADE Open Call #2 or consortium.
Join SPADE as an evaluator and gain exclusive benefits, including recognition as a key contributor to a cutting-edge EU innovation project. Participating in the evaluation process offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of drone technology in agriculture, forestry, and livestock while enhancing your professional portfolio. Engage in networking with top industry experts, researchers, and innovators, expanding your professional connections across Europe. Additionally, evaluators receive financial compensation for their contributions, ensuring that your expertise is both valued and rewarded. Be part of a transformative initiative driving sustainable advancements in resource management.
Challenges
UCU-CH1: Swarm Communication and Navigation
Challenge: To develop a communication and navigation system for drone swarms to map areas using LiDAR. A central computer will process sensor data into a detailed map while coordinating swarm navigation to ensure full coverage.
UCU-CH2: Open-Source Tilted Rotor Drone System
Challenge: To develop an open-source omnidirectional navigation system using a tilted rotor drone design. The proposal should include hardware development for tilted rotors and the creation of a vectored thrust controller as an extension to the PX4 flight controller. This controller will manage rotor tilting angles and speeds, with the software operating on the drone’s onboard computing unit.
UCU-CH3: Aerial Image Processing Service
Challenge: To develop and deploy an AWS-based system for uploading raw images, processing them into orthomosaics, and integrating with a third-party microservice for data storage and further analysis. The system will include APIs for image upload, processing options, and data download, supporting radiometric calibration images, multiple data outputs, and connection with Management Information Systems.
CS1-CH1: ML for based Disease Detection in Mediterranean Crops
Challenge: To explore innovative applications of machine learning (ML) for disease detection on plants and crops, primarily focusing on orange trees and potatoes. Analyse large datasets to identify patterns, predict outbreaks, and enhance diagnostic accuracy to improve crop health and agricultural sustainability.
CS1-CH2: Open Field Data Collection and Annotation
Challenge: To acquire and structure open-field crop datasets to train cloud-based ML models for at least two focused applications, requiring access to multiple fields for data collection. As part of the Open Field Case in the SPADE project, it supports the creation of comprehensive segmented datasets of georeferenced aerial images captured by UAVs equipped with RGB, thermal, multispectral, or hyperspectral cameras.
CS2-CH1: Below-Canopy Forest Data Collection and Annotation
Challenge: To support the collection and annotation of a comprehensive European below-canopy forestry dataset. Include annotated images and point clouds to facilitate segmentation and classification of below-canopy forest environments.
CS2-CH2: Ultralight Self-Levelling Landing Gear for Quadrotor Drones
Challenge: To design adaptive, lightweight landing gear solutions for quadrotor drones. Ensure safe take-off and landing on uneven terrain with minimal added weight.
CS3-CH1: Virtual Fencing Application for Livestock Grazing Management
Challenge: To develop a virtual fence thresholding application for targeted grazing management. Utilize the SPADE Livestock Platform (SLP), Parrot Anafi USA UAV, and animal collar transceivers to monitor livestock, collect relevant data via SLP, and validate the solution in real-world scenarios by securing access to a livestock farm.
CS3-CH2: Acquiring and Structuring Livestock Open-field Animal Wellbeing/Healthcare Datasets for Training ML Models
Challenge: To acquire and structure livestock open-field health and welfare datasets to train cloud-based machine learning models. Achieve over 80% accuracy in detecting at least one specific animal vector-disease variation. Secure access to a livestock farm for data collection and validation.
Selection Process
- EV Registration:
Interested evaluators for Open Call #2, need to create an evaluator profile and complete the registration form supplemented with CV
- EV Proposal Evaluation:
Applicants must be European citizens or residents/taxpayers in eligible countries, not have participated in SPADE proposal teams, and ensure their application is complete and submitted electronically
- On-boarding webinar:
Selected evaluators must attend the dedicated on-boarding webinar on 19 May 2025 and adhere to strict confidentiality and conflict-of-interest policies
- Applications evaluation by EV:
Evaluators commit to reviewing proposals from 10 June 2025 to 30 June 2025
Support
📄 Guidelines
📄 Conflict of Interest Form
📄 Guidelines
Download and review the Guidelines document to understand the requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission process for the SPADE project.
📄 Conflict of Interest Form
Please download and complete the Conflict of Interest Declaration form to ensure transparency and fairness in the evaluation process
How to Register
To register as an evaluator for SPADE Open Call #2, simply follow these steps: Visit the SPLORO platform and create your evaluator profile. Complete all required fields in the registration form and upload your CV in PDF format. Ensure that your submission is accurate and complete to be considered from 10.03.2025 – 07.04.2025, 17:00 Brussels time
The registration is CLOSED!
Results
The selected evaluators will be published in this section