Broswarm, a Lithuanian defence tech startup founded in 2023 and specialising in mine detection, has secured €800,000 in funding from ScaleWolf, a hybrid accelerator and fund for defence tech. This funding will accelerate the development of Broswarm’s proprietary X-Ray Eagle sensor, which enhances mine detection by providing clear 3D visualisations from up to 10 metres above ground. The sensor technology, which earned Broswarm first place at the NATO challenge, is designed to support safe demining operations in Ukraine and other war zones, as well as former conflict areas.
Despite substantial investment in demining efforts, outdated technology continues to hinder progress in conflict zones. Most mine detection systems rely on basic sensors that need to be almost at ground level to detect objects accurately, making them prone to false positives—a major drain on time and resources. In Ukraine, where over 30% of the land is suspected to be mine-contaminated, dense vegetation and uneven terrain exacerbate these limitations. With more than 2 million landmines impacting agricultural areas, and critical infrastructure, and limiting the mobility of Ukrainian forces, the need for a breakthrough in mine detection technology has never been more urgent.
To address this, Broswarm is developing the X-Ray Eagle, a sensor that uses advanced radio waves to create 3D images of buried objects. Mounted on drones, the sensor can detect items up to 0.5 metres deep while operating from greater heights than traditional technology allows. Following extensive testing and refinement, Broswarm recognized the X-Ray Eagle’s potential to significantly reduce false positives and provide reliable visual data for faster, more effective mine clearance. This new level of accuracy sets Broswarm apart in the mine detection field, paving the way for safer demining operations that are quicker and more efficient.
Ernestas Žvaigždinas, co-founder and CEO of Broswarm, said: “Our testing with drones and existing technologies has shown that terrain like Ukraine’s makes accurate detection of small objects underground incredibly challenging. That’s why we’re doubling down on deep tech with the X-Ray Eagle, which delivers a groundbreaking level of accuracy and depth perception for landmine detection. The visuals produced by our sensor are so clear, they’re almost like photographs, offering teams a completely new way to quickly and safely assess buried threats. We demonstrated this technology at the NATO Innovation Challenge, where it earned first place with outstanding results.”
Edvinas Skerza, Managing Partner at ScaleWolf and former Vice Minister of Defense of Lithuania, said: “Governments around the world are making landmine detection and clearance a priority, and for the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence, it’s currently the number one focus. So it’s not a surprise to see NATO award Broswarm with the first place in their innovation challenge. Their X-Ray Eagle sensor technology will offer an unmatched advantage, positioning them well ahead in landmine detection. In addition, with this level of accuracy, Broswarm’s technology will not only be able to clear mines from secure areas, but also support troops on the ground to manoeuvre faster and more safely through landmine-infested front line areas.”
Broswarm has recently hired a globally recognised physicist and signed a contract with the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence to collaborate on demining technology. With this funding, the company plans to accelerate R&D, refine and patent the X-Ray Eagle technology, ultimately achieving a field-ready prototype for large-scale deployment. This includes further field tests over the next 12 months.
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2024/11/vilnius-based-broswarm-secures-e800k-to-advance-next-gen-mine-detection-technology/
