Bavaria takes off: New platform revolutionizes drone and robotics technology!

Bavaria takes off: New platform revolutionizes drone and robotics technology!

On March 9, 2025, the “Innovation Platform for Drone Technology and Robotics” was launched. This was done by the University of the Bundeswehr Munich (UniBw M) and the TechHUB SVI of Bayern Innovativ GmbH. The stated goal of this platform is to develop future-oriented technologies in the drone and robotics industry in order to secure Germany's sovereignty in the security and defense industry. The platform sees itself as a crucial instrument for the development of ideas through to series production.

The initiators emphasize that the innovation platform not only promotes academic research, but also involves partners from industry to support the entire value chain. Experts from the areas of defense-related research and security industry as well as other sectors work together here. This enables access to new technologies as well as active knowledge transfer, promoted through workshops, conferences and various projects, including those of the European Defense Fund and NATO programs. An important aspect is the inclusion of the user side, such as the Federal Ministry of Defense and the Bundeswehr, in the development process.

Technological advances and competitiveness

The platform was launched at the end of February 2025 and the application platform was available from February 25, 2025. The first partner in this initiative is the UXS Alliance, represented by Sven Kruck, Co-CEO of Quantum System. Bayern Innovativ plays a central role by connecting business, science and politics and drawing on a network of over 75,000 experts in various areas. The TechHUB SVI itself is a key point that connects companies in the Bavarian SVI industry with start-ups and scientific institutions.

The goal of the TechHUB SVI is to promote technology and knowledge transfer and thus support innovations for the security and defense of both Germany and Europe. Bayern Innovativ offers comprehensive support, ranging from project initiation to access to funding opportunities. These initiatives are intended to promote growth in the industry and create new synergies, particularly with regard to dual-use technologies.

Defense tech startups in Germany

In the context of increasing security requirements, defense technology in Germany has developed significantly. Defense tech startups like Arx-Robotics and Polaris are working on fundamental technological solutions. Arx-Robotics, for example, develops modular robots that can be converted for military and humanitarian missions. These robots are used in troop supply and reconnaissance and are already in use in the Bundeswehr and in several European countries. The company was able to raise 9 million euros through a first round of financing.

Polaris, on the other hand, combines space technology with military applications and is working on a reusable spaceplane for high-speed reconnaissance missions. The launch of the “Future Heavy Space Plane” is scheduled for 2030 and the company has already received significant investments. Another notable company is Helsing, which is considered the first European defense tech unicorn with an enterprise value of 1.7 billion euros. It develops AI-powered solutions for military systems and is actively used in projects supporting European weapon systems such as Eurofighter and FCAS.

Through initiatives such as the innovation platform and the development of such startups, it can be seen that Germany wants to strengthen its position in the security and defense industry. Germany's defense budget has been increased to 71.75 billion euros for 2024, which will create additional opportunities for innovation in this area.

Overall, the establishment of the innovation platform is a significant step towards technological progress and competitiveness in the European security and defense industry. The platform will combine traditional approaches with modern technological thinking and create an important bridge between business, science and military applications.

As the innovation platform and TechHUB SVI begin their activities, it remains to be seen how effectively they will address defense technology challenges and contribute to the development of innovative solutions. At a time when security plays a key role, the potential of these initiatives is enormous.

For more information about the drone technology and robotics innovation platform, visit UniBw M. For more about the TechHUB SVI initiatives, read on stmwi.bayern.de. You can find information about the most important defense tech startups in Germany at investmentweek.com.