Innovate, demine, rebuild: TechBridge x Sikorsky Challenge stage ‘Innovations for Humanitarian Demining’ competition
At present, Ukraine faces a formidable challenge – widespread contamination of land with explosives. Not only does this endanger the lives and health of citizens, but landmines and unexploded shells hinder economic growth and agricultural development, and prevent millions of displaced people from returning to their homes. Humanitarian demining is not merely a logistical task, it is a vital step towards a safe and peaceful future.
That is why TechBridge x Sikorsky Challenge have announced a competition of innovative solutions for humanitarian demining. The organisers are seeking out audacious, efficient, and creative ideas that will help to fast-track and make safer the process of clearing Ukrainian lands of mines and ammunition.
The TechBridge x Sikorsky Innovation Challenge competition is organised by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the UK Government, the Sikorsky Challenge Innovation Holding, the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, and the Kyivska Politechnika Science Park.
The competition will take place at Kyiv Polytechnic on 30 September 2025 in a hybrid format (in-person and online).
The purpose of the competition is to cherry-pick and support innovative technologies for humanitarian demining developed by Ukrainian researchers and start-ups. Participation in the competition offers opportunities to:
- Pitch solutions to international stakeholders
- Collaborate with leading demining experts and operators
- Attract investment and form partnerships with British companies
- Win prizes, mentoring support, and the possibility of using engineering developments via viable projects
What solutions are being sought?
The organisers invite concepts or feasible projects in the following areas:
- Use of drones, unmanned ground vehicles, AI-driven data analysis, multi-sensor platforms (GPR, LiDAR, thermal imaging cameras) for accurate and safe detection of landmines and ammunition across large areas
- Development of ground and aerial robotic devices for the automated mine clearing of territories, minimising human involvement and risks to deminers in the field
- Drawing and use of electronic maps of contaminated zones, platforms for collecting and analysing field data, and real-time processing
Why is this vital?
Successful solutions can contribute to the rapid and safe mine clearing of Ukraine’s territories, the return of people to their homes, and the recovery of infrastructure and agriculture. Concerted efforts will speed up recovery and ensure a safer future for thousands of Ukrainian families.
Winners will receive the following prizes:
- First place – $3,000
- Second place – $2,000
- Third place – $1,000
Register now:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQh8rdFEx1_Xe-a3JocgOFBahRSuGQBADLcEttNyvDrTqI0w/viewform
The deadline for applications is 22 September 2025.
The UK-Ukraine TechBridge is a joint initiative undertaken by the UK Government and the Government of Ukraine, starting January 2024. It aims to forge connections between British and Ukrainian tech eco-systems by seeking mutual trade and investment opportunities, supporting innovation, and promoting training to develop technical skills in Ukraine.
