Applications are open for Commission Challenge 2021 – Space for Infrastructure and Building Monitoring. The European Commission is looking for submissions that demonstrate the added value that both Copernicus and Galileo data can bring to monitoring systems.

The Challenge

Around the world, the amount of major infrastructure such as bridges, dams, highways, and buildings that shows signs of climate- or material-based deterioration is rapidly increasing. In most cases, the dangerous impacts of this development are not visible or difficult to localise with traditional methods. Unfortunately, the damage is often only recognised when it results in major accidents. This is why efficient, continuous monitoring of infrastructure and the detection of damage have been identified as priorities in the context of the new European R&I programme “Horizon Europe”.

Against this background, this Commission Challenge encourages the submission of concrete solutions that use both Copernicus and EGNSS to enable smart monitoring of infrastructures and buildings. The key requirements are that these innovative solutions demonstrate added value in the use of Copernicus and Galileo/EGNOS data and signals for their development. The use of Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, the Internet of Things, Machine Learning, and Cloud Computing as supporting technologies is recommended. Where applicable, augmented or mixed reality, special mapping solutions for making digital twins of infrastructure, sensors for smart monitoring, drones with thermal cameras for detecting leaks or cracks, wearable solutions, and other innovations are also welcome.

Eligibility

To participate in Commission Challenge, any applicant must be a natural or a legal person of an EU Member State or European Economic Area (EEA), European Neighbouring Countries (ENP), South/East countries or other countries with which the EU has space dialogues and cooperation: USA, Canada, Latin America, Africa, Gulf Cooperation Countries, Kazahstan, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand.

Prizes

• The winner of the Commission Challenge will be awarded a cash prize of EUR 10,000.
• Possibility to access EUR 10,000 worth of commercial datasets from the Copernicus Contributing Missions in the Copernicus Data Warehouse (financial support by COM).
• In addition to that, Copernicus Masters 2021 Overall Winner will receive EUR 10,000.

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