Funke
Fully Autonomous Flight 2.0

Hello people with radical new ideas! We need breakthrough innovation to define a new era of flight - smart, autonomous, and limitless. We need bold ideas. We need you.

Autonomous drones have the power to dramatically improve the way we live: delivering goods to remote areas, saving lives in extreme conditions, and performing tasks that are dangerous or even impossible for humans. To unlock this potential, we need breakthrough innovation.

The dream of fully autonomous flight is not yet a reality. What is missing are robust systems that can safely navigate complex environments without GNSS or human intervention. We are tackling this problem one more time with our new SPRIND Funke Fully Autonomous Flight 2.0.

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The challenge: To develop an autonomous flight system that can operate safely without GNSS support or human control – validated through two clearly defined missions under real-world conditions.

The Funke focuses on developing alternative methods to GNSS-based localization. Examples include approaches based on multimodal technologies – such as combining one or more cameras with other sensors like inertial measurement units – as well as alternative technologies like ultra-wideband or leveraging the Earth’s magnetic field. These examples are by no means exhaustive: other novel and alternative localization methods are equally welcome.

The Funke sparks your progress

The SPRIND Funke starts on July 1, 2025, and has a duration of 14 months and is divided into two stages. A jury of recognized experts will support SPRIND in evaluating the applications and select up to 15 teams to participate in the first stage.

SPRIND provides substantial, tailored support throughout each phase of the Funke, including financial backing and direct access to a network of experts and potential collaborators. For Stage 1, teams may receive up to EUR 150,000 (plus VAT) over seven months, with funding based on each team’s projected costs. After the first stage, the jury will review interim results, evaluating which teams display the strongest potential for transformative innovation. Up to ten teams will advance to Stage 2, with funding of up to EUR 350,000 (plus VAT) per team over another seven months..

Funke 1.0

This was Funke 1.0 with science youtuber Jacob Beautemps.

Breaking Lab: Fully Autonomous Flight

FAQ

A team of experts from SPRIND makes a preliminary selection from the applications received. The final decision on admission to the Funke will be made on the basis of the application and the pitch in front of an external jury of scientists, industry experts and/or investors. The pitch is scheduled to take place end of June 2025, in Leipzig/Germany.

Yes, applications by project consortia are permissible. The leading consortium partner must be identifiable as the sole contracting partner with SPRIND and have its headquarters in the European Union, European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the United Kingdom, or Israel. International collaborations beyond these regions are welcome.

All expenses that serve to achieve the Funke goal can be paid with SPRIND funds. The start-up budget made available to each team is intended to cover the costs of research and development, material procurement, and any travel and accommodation costs that are incurred as part of the Funke. This can include, for example, personnel costs, equipment and materials, or rent.

The budgets provided for each team are intended for the duration of the SPRIND Funke. Teams should plan their resources accordingly in order to complete their project successfully. However, it is also possible to spend any remaining money beyond the Challenge funding period.

No. However, you should ensure that your team covers all the skills and expertise required to successfully overcome the challenges . It needs to be clear from the work plan that the tasks are manageable for the team.

The intellectual property rights created by the teams during the SPRIND Funke remain with the teams. Upon request, SPRIND receives a free and non-exclusive right to use the results found. Details can be found in the Participation agreement which will be published alongside the Call for Submissions.

Do you have further questions?
Please feel free to contact us at challenge@sprind.org.

Jano Costard, Head of Challenges
Jano Costard, Head of Challenges

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We are looking for a fully autonomous system that can detect, classify, and neutralize small and micro UAVs in real time – without weapons, external communication, or human intervention. Submit your project until July 29.

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