Starting Position
DLR is Germany‘s national research center for aeronautics and space. Its extensive
research and development work in aeronautics, space, transportation
and energy is integrated into national and international cooperative ventures. As
Germany‘s Space Agency, the German federal government has given DLR responsibility
for the forward planning and implementation of the German space
programme as well as international representation of Germany‘s interests. Furthermore,
Germany’s largest project-management agency is also part of DLR.
In determining the focal points of its research, DLR is to a large extent guided by
industry’s demand for innovative products and services. Besides, it also invests
in promising technologies and offers its research and development capacities to
customers for their own use. Numerous products have been successfully developed
in this way and launched on the market in cooperation with innovative enterprises.
Approximately 6,500 people work for DLR; the center has 29 institutes and facilities
at 13 locations in Germany: Berlin, Bonn, Braunschweig, Bremen, Cologne
(headquarters), Goettingen, Hamburg, Lampoldshausen, Neustrelitz, Oberpfaffenhofen,
Stuttgart, Trauen and Weilheim. DLR also has offices in Brussels, Paris
and Washington, D.C.
Objectives
NEXT GENERATION NAVIGATION: The GNSS infrastructure is undergoing dynamic
expansion, and the demand for navigation-related solutions is growing at
least as fast along with it. Smart applications designed to master existing use
cases are to be complemented through “greenfield” innovations driven by technological
development and various markets.
We are looking for creative ideas for new applications, products, and services, as
well as concepts transferable from nature. Better understanding and usability
will pave the way to a new quality of navigation with remarkable added value. The
stakeholders who will profit daily from these innovations include private endusers,
the public sector, and professional customers. In addition, social and environmental
benefits and increased public safety will be further key criteria for
realisation.
The best entry will undergo further development and implementation jointly with
DLR, leading on to the next generation of navigation.
Specifically, we are looking for the brightest ideas in two major fields with the
following aspects:
| Theme 1: SECURITY-CRITICAL APPLICATIONS |
ACCURACY and AVAILABILITY:
Enhancement through methods such as multi-frequency usage, local augmentations,
hybrid sensors, and redundant systems
INTERFERENCING SIGNALS:
Recognition and suppression within the GNSS receiver, as well as through the
signal processing chain
SECURITY-RELATED TASKS:
Use of GNSS applications and integrated solutions for rescue and police operations,
crisis management, and disaster relief
TRAFFIC and TRANSPORT:
Robust navigation with maximum security and reliability in real time
In this first major topic, DLR is seeking technical and application-oriented solutions
with outstanding innovative character. |
| |
| Theme 2: BIO ENGINEERING in NAVIGATION |
LOCALISATION and ORIENTATION:
Methods transferred from nature to applications
BACK-UP of GNSS POSITIONING:
New approaches – also without complex infrastructure
|
|
|
 |
In this second major topic, DLR is looking for interdisciplinary ideas generated from engineering
and natural sciences, especially biology.
Please note that the best proposals from Germany will be submitted to German Space
Agency for potential founding in the framework of a research project.
Prize
The winner will receive a voucher for five man-months of DLR services (an equivalent to EUR
50,000 value) in the further development of his idea, such as feasibility studies, concept studies,
and prototype or business development. The prize, therefore, leads to direct implementation.
While all contestants will demonstrate their innovation competence merely by participating,
the winner will enjoy the added benefit having the DLR Special Topic Prize on his record as a
testament of quality.
www.dlr.de
|
