In November 2024, we had the honor of attending the Berlin Security Conference (BSC)—one of Europe’s most prestigious platforms for advancing innovation and dialogue in defence and security.

A Gathering of Global Security Leaders

The BSC brought together an impressive array of stakeholders, including the Chief of Defence from Germany, NATO officials, leading defence contractors, and visionary startups. The theme, “NATO, EU, and Their Allies: Deterring Threats to Freedom and Democracy,” emphasized the critical role of collaboration and technology in securing global stability.

Keynotes, exhibitions, and expert discussions explored how emerging technologies like AI, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems can reshape the future of defence and security.

PLENO at the Defence Startup Challenge

This year marked the launch of the inaugural Defence Startup Challenge, hosted by Bitkom in collaboration with the Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub. Out of hundreds of applicants, only 10 startups were selected to showcase their groundbreaking solutions.

We are proud to announce that PLENO was named the winner in the Drone category! This recognition came from a distinguished panel of experts representing Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub, Bitkom, and other leaders from the defence sector.

‍

‍

What Sets Us Apart

Our approach to autonomous drone technology combines cutting-edge AI and robust system design to address modern defence challenges effectively. Here’s what makes PLENO’s solution stand out:

1. Hardware-Agnostic Autonomous Software
   We have developed a universal framework for Data Extraction & Processing, Sensor Fusion, and AI Inference that is compatible with a wide range of companion computers, including Raspberry Pi, NVIDIA Jetson, and other platforms. This flexibility ensures seamless integration with existing and future hardware systems.
2. Multi-Purpose AI Models
   Our solution combines various AI modalities, including vision-based perception, acoustic analysis, and motion tracking. By leveraging multiple types of sensory data, our drones achieve a comprehensive understanding of their environment, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making.
3. Simulation-Driven Training
   Using reinforcement learning, we train our AI agents in simulated environments with hundreds of scenarios. These include complex real-world challenges such as obstacle avoidance, path planning, and adapting to dynamic conditions. This approach ensures our systems are mission-ready and capable of performing reliably in high-stakes situations.

Expert Feedback

Receiving this recognition was a moment of pride for our team, reinforced by the invaluable feedback from industry experts, including Sven Weizenegger, a renowned leader in Defence Tech in Germany from the Bundeswehr Cyber Innovatoin Hub. Their insights validated our mission to bridge innovation with real-world impact.

‍

Looking Ahead

This milestone motivates us to further accelerate our innovations and collaborate with key players in the defence and security ecosystem. We’re also excited to share that our work was spotlighted in a feature by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, which will be published this December. Stay tuned for more updates!

‍