An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 9 using machine learning algorithms, DECAMAP's software analysed the terrain, wind patterns and fuel loads to predict fire behaviour. Both air and ground assets were fed the outputs of this data through live updated maps to ensure a common operational picture was established. The addition of this technology helped to ensure the exercise was a success and enhanced the capabilities of all responders. Post-exercise, DECAMAPS 3D terrain models and burn severity maps helped to evaluate the simulated fires impact, providing critical data for future training and real world responses. DECAMAP didn't just support EU MODEX – it redefined the playbook for wildfire response. By merging drones, AI, and geospatial intelligence, they showcased how technology can turn the tide against fires in an era of climate escalation. Thanks to the successful partnership with Research Ireland, the Defence Forces can now pose some of the most pressing challenges across several domains to the research community developing bespoke innovative solutions that cannot be purchased off the shelf. RESEARCH IRELAND – DEFENCE INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2024 Stemming from the success of the first iteration, a new Challenge call was established in April 2024. Challenge-based funding is a solution-focused approach to research funding that uses prizes, strict timelines, teamwork and competition directing research activities at ambitious societal problems. The aim of the Research Ireland-Defence Innovation Challenge is to develop new technologies, aligned with national defence policy, that have strong potential to deliver significant, beneficial, societal impact for Ireland. The programme comprises three phases (following application): Concept (3-months), Seed (9-months) and Prize Award (up to 2-years). 10 teams were accepted to the Concept Phase and received funding of €20k to further develop their concept and carry-out in depth stakeholder engagement. These projects are then evaluated by a panel of international experts and up to 5 teams are selected to progress to the Seed Phase and receive further funding of €200k which enables them to create working prototypes of their solutions and conduct a societal impact analysis. These 5 teams will then compete for an overall Prize Award of €1 million and the winner will spend the following 12 months developing and exploring methods for scaling and assessing the commercial viability of their solution. The 2024 programme has two streams: Specific Challenges and Disruptive Ideas. In the Specific Challenges stream, four challenges were identified in collaboration with the Defence Forces and Department of Defence: Advanced Shelter Concepts, Maritime Situational Awareness, Search and Rescue and Aeromedical Emergency Dispatch. The Disruptive Ideas stream included disruptive/radical technologies across the areas of: Medical Technologies, Disaster Relief, Peacekeeping, Climate Change and Sustainability, and Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). Currently, five research teams have received funding under the Seed Phase of the Research Ireland-Defence Innovation Challenge 2024. Members of the Air Corps, Naval Service, Ordnance Corps and the Civil Defence are an integral part of each research team, providing organisational, operational and mission context support. This embedded collaboration with Defence personnel will enable the research teams to develop their project concepts and compete for further funding to deliver solutions to the challenges identified. In Q4 2025, the RTI office will be engaging across the Defence Forces to identify the next four challenges which will be posed to the research community as we prepare for a third iteration of the Defence Innovation Challenge to commence possibly in mid-2026. If you have a keen interest to get involved and have a challenge that you would like to propose, don't hesitate to get in touch. Teams receiving funding from the Defence Innovation Challenge 2024 are as follows: WHAT'S IN STORE? EU Modex 2025 reaffirmed a core principle of the RTI Office: innovation is not confined to labs or whiteboards - it happens in the field, under pressure, in collaboration with partners. We encourage all units and personnel to engage with the RTI Office to explore how your ideas, capabilities, and experiences can contribute to future exercises, research proposals, and innovation initiatives. The success of EU Modex in Wicklow has already sparked discussions about expanding such exercises to other regions and hazards, including flooding, CBRN disasters, and mass casualty events. With growing geopolitical instability and the effects of climate change accelerating, preparedness is no longer optional—it is imperative. A special thanks to our colleagues in the emergency services for their co-operation and professionalism throughout the exercise and to the Audio Visual team at An Cosantóir for their work behind the scenes in capturing all the exercise content – it doesn't go unnoticed! (LINK TO VIDEO) If you have a concept, technology, or operational insight that could enhance Defence Forces readiness or civil-military cooperation, we want to hear from you. For more information, contact the RTI Office at rti@defence.ie. Challenge Defence Liaison Institution(s) Project Name & Focus Advanced Shelter Concepts Challenge Capt Paul Lyons University College Dublin MASH - Mobile Adaptable SHelter: Modular, multipurpose shelter systems. Maritime Situational Awareness Challenge Comdr Cathal Power Trinity College Dublin Sea-Scan - Vessel identification for maritime awareness. Search and Rescue Challenge Paul Brophy (Civil Defence) Tyndall National Institute PLANE - Precise Location Aerial Navigation and Estimation for SAR missions. Aeromedical Emergency Dispatch Challenge Lt Sean Curran University College Dublin ADMS - Aeromedical Dispatch Management Software - A technology hub. Disruptive Ideas Capt Luke Gillespie University College Dublin Advanced Imaging Technologies through Electronically Tuneable Lenses.

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