The SPADE project adopts a multifaceted approach to advancing drone technology. Firstly, it is developing a digital ecosystem to enhance the accessibility, control, and multipurpose capabilities of UAVs, making drone operations more efficient and user-friendly. This platform will also act as a hub for value-added services enabled by drones. Secondly, SPADE is conducting three case studies, showcasing innovative drone applications and quantifying their benefits at a stakeholder level. These demonstrations will not only uncover new business opportunities but also support the analysis of regulatory frameworks at both international and national levels.
As part of this initiative, SPADE contains two Open Calls, with a total budget of €720,000, allocated across both calls, to fund up to 13 innovative projects. These Open Calls represent a key effort in SPADE’s mission to foster innovation in the use of drones for agriculture and forestry.
To be eligible for funding through the SPADE Open Call, applicants must align their solutions with one of four distinct SPADE Case Study groups:
- Open-Field Case Study Integration (Spain)
- Forestry Case Study integration (Norway)
- Live-stock Case Study integration (Greece)
- Universal Consideration Across Case Study
SPADE’s Open Calls are designed to accept applicants who can provide innovative solutions to address the specific challenges presented by each of our four distinct Case Studies. These Case Studies encompass various aspects of open-field agriculture, forestry, and livestock drone technology and aim to revolutionize the field in their respective domains. In addition to the specific challenges of each Case Study, there are also some challenges that apply universally across all of SPADE’s Case Studies initiatives. These general challenges have the potential to shape the landscape of drone technology in open-field agriculture, forestry and livestock.
SPADE seeks to select and finance one project for each challenge, ensuring that the selected solutions align with our mission to enhance and promote sustainable and efficient practices in agriculture, forestry, and livestock through the power of drone technology.
The second SPADE Open Call is open from March 4 to May 5, 2025, with 9 projects to be selected, each receiving up to €60,000 in funding. The focus remains on sustainable and efficient UAV solutions for open-field agriculture, forestry, and livestock farming.
The timeline includes:
- Evaluation period: June 2025
- Grant agreement & legal validation: July 2025
- Project implementation: August 2025 – January 2026
Proposals must align with one of the three SPADE case studies, addressing key challenges in UAV technology for precision farming and sustainable resource management.
To apply, candidates must create a profile on the SPLORO platform, complete the application form, and submit their proposals within the given timeframe.
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The selected sub-projects from our first Open Call falls into some specific categories such as cloud computing, IoT, drone technologies, and beyond. These groundbreaking initiatives will enhance the SPADE ecosystem, bringing cutting-edge advancements to AI processing, precision open-field agriculture, livestock monitoring, and autonomous UAV navigation.
Cloud Computing
Innovative scalable platform for AI cloud processing (ISLA-AI)
Mapping and Localization
Autonomous UAVs for Below-Canopy Mapping and Inventory (OLYMPIAN)
IoT sensors, Edge computing, Cloud
Future Agriculture and Ranch Management through SENSing and AErial Drone Imaging (FARMSENSE)
Swarm and Drone Technologies
Autonomous UAVs for Below-Canopy Mapping and Inventory (APPA)
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