Minesight Innovation Challenge
Make excavations safe and fast for deminers.
An international competition to develop compact, remote excavation systems for humanitarian demining.
70+
Countries affected by landmines
60+
Years of landmines excavation
$37Bn
estimated cost of demining in Ukraine
Minesight Innovation Challenge
Across all geographies, terrains, and vegetation, excavation of landmines is the most difficult stage of the demining process.
The slowest stage of humanitarian mine action
The most costly phase of operations
The least safe step for personnel
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Minesight Innovation Challenge
1
Clearance efficiency
Operational and land-release rates.
2
Safety
Measurable safety improvements.
3
Cost-effective
Viable lifecycle cost.
4
Remote Operation
With speed and precision.
5
Ease of use
Realistic training requirements.
6
Manufacturability
Production, maintenance, repair.
Phases
Minesight Innovation Challenge
Sequential stages with mentorship and grant funding at every step.
1
Kick-Off Event
Online briefing on the problem,
requirements, process.
requirements, process.
2
Application Submission Period
Submit a short description of your solution, including the approach, concept, and expected impact.
Deadline: April 21, 2026 (midnight, Kyiv time)
3
Full Proposal Submission (by invitation)
Selected teams will be invited to submit a detailed proposal, including the technical solution, implementation plan, and team information.
Timeline: Late April 2026
4
Grant Funding
Up to five teams will receive funding to develop their prototypes. Each team may receive up to $100,000 for development, testing, and refinement of their solution, along with access to expert support and testing facilities.
Start: May 2026
Start: May 2026
5
Prototyping & Tests
Teams have 4–6 months to build and
test their system in field.
test their system in field.
6
Final Evaluation & Demonstration
Teams will present and test their solutions in real-world conditions at a designated test site. Performance will be evaluated based on speed, safety, and effectiveness of excavation.
The winning team will receive an additional $100,000 prize.
Timeline: Tentatively early November 2026
Benefits
What Participants Receive
Grant Funding
From idea to working proof-of-concept.
Partners
Global mine action community engagement.
Mentorship
Support from mine action specialists.
Deployment
Path to certification, production, scaling.
Field Testing
Field-relevant testing and validation.
Funding Prize
To the most successful team.
Participants
Finalists & Participants
The Minesight Innovation Challenge attracted significant interest from the international innovation community. In response to the open call, more than 100 applications were submitted by teams and organizations from Ukraine, Norway, India, Poland, the United Kingdom, Kosovo, and other countries, as well as by international consortia. Following an independent evaluation by an international jury, five finalist teams were selected to advance to the next stage of the Challenge, with their solutions moving forward to practical field testing.
Finalists
Finalist
Water-Jet Excavation for Mine Exposure (WExMEx)
A research team from the University of Oslo working at the intersection of robotics, engineering systems, and applied research. The team is led by Tønnes Nygaard, Associate Professor and specialist in robotics and explosive ordnance disposal (IMAS EOD Level 3).
Finalist
Badger
An interdisciplinary team based at Lviv Polytechnic National University, bringing together young engineers, designers, and manufacturing specialists. Team members have experience in electronic systems development, prototyping, testing, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Finalist
TREMBITA
A Ukrainian technology company developing solutions in high-precision positioning, telemetry, and monitoring. The team has experience creating integrated hardware and software systems for field operations.
Finalist
AUTOGENBOT
An international robotics and Physical AI startup. Founder and CEO Vipin has more than 12 years of experience in robotics, is a graduate of the Draper University Founder Accelerator, and has been recognized by the U.S. Congress for his innovation activities. The team combines expertise in mechanical engineering, control systems, artificial intelligence, and field testing.
Finalist
Kaban Digger (Kaban Cargo)
A Ukrainian engineering company specializing in the development and deployment of unmanned ground systems. The team has practical experience in designing and manufacturing robotic ground platforms for operations in challenging environments.
All Participants
Ukrainian Autonomous Systems
A Ukrainian engineering company focused on the development of autonomous and robotic ground-based systems. The team has experience creating practical solutions for field operations.
Avsten Demining
A manufacturing company from Kharkiv with expertise in metalworking and mechanical engineering. The team leverages its in-house production capabilities to develop specialized equipment.
Postup (UGV Turret System)
A Ukrainian team working on technologies for the remote detection of explosive hazards and robotic solutions for humanitarian demining. The team has practical experience in field testing, aeromagnetic mapping, and surveying contaminated areas.
MeGoElectric Demining Technologies
A Ukrainian company with practical experience in developing robotic platforms and operating its own manufacturing facilities. The team has previous experience in humanitarian demining and collaborates with international partners from Germany.
Milmech Systems UGV
An Estonian engineering company combining expertise in mechanical design, robotics, manufacturing, and EOD applications. The team includes specialists in automation, control systems, production, and practical technology testing.
Sub14 Solutions
An Australian innovation team developing engineering solutions for challenging field environments. The team combines technological development expertise with practical implementation experience.
Trident Tech
A Ukrainian technology company specializing in engineering development and the creation of specialized equipment. The team is focused on practical technology deployment and solution scaling.
TSM Machinery
A Ukrainian machinery manufacturer with experience in designing and producing specialized equipment. The team has both manufacturing capabilities and engineering expertise for developing complex mechanized systems.
Partners
Partners & Expert Organizations
The technical component of the Minesight Challenge is delivered with the support of our partners — leading organizations in the mine action sector. Through their expertise, technical support, and practical experience, they help advance innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in humanitarian demining.
Micro-Excavation Open Innovation Challenge
Ready to Change the Game?
Register for the Kick-Off event, and prepare to submit an Abstract for your Proposal
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Participants
Challenge Conditions
1
What is the main objective of the Challenge?
2
What do we mean by "excavation"?
3
Where can we find more information about the excavation process?
4
Is prior experience in humanitarian demining required?
5
What defines success?
6
Do I need a finished product?
7
How do I apply?
8
Is there a required format or structure for the abstract submission?
Project partners
