Defence tech breakthrough: Lithuanian hackathon winner negotiating €1 million investment for autonomous drone innovations

The winner of the Lithuanian defence technology hackathon Flaming Shield: Mission AI 2025 has entered negotiations for a €1 million investment to develop autonomous drone technologies. The investment, initiated by Coinvest Capital and private investors, will support solutions for unmanned systems designed to meet the needs of modern battlefields.

The winning startup, PD Kinematics, presented an advanced drone route interpretation system powered by video analytics, capable of autonomous operation without human control or external navigation modules. This innovation enhances drone precision and operational efficiency in hybrid battlefield scenarios where satellite navigation may be restricted.

Strengthening the Defence Innovation Ecosystem

Organized for the third time by the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union together with Tech-Park Kaunas, the hackathon has become a major event in Lithuania’s growing defence innovation ecosystem, attracting real interest from investors and industry leaders.

Over 150 developers took part, forming more than 50 teams to propose solutions in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and space technology. Participants competed for monetary prizes ranging from several hundred to several thousand euros, as well as invitations to international innovation events, accelerator programs, and investor showcases.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Battlefield

“Today we fight against drones; tomorrow we will deploy AI-powered robots. To stay ahead of potential threats, we must remain unpredictable – by developing and implementing technology first,” said Colonel Linas Idzelis, Commander of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union. “The winning team’s technology is vital for enhancing battlefield efficiency, helping neutralize enemy drones faster and more precisely.”

Paulius Nezabitauskas, Director of Tech-Park Kaunas, emphasized that the hackathon strengthens Lithuania’s defence innovation ecosystem: “This platform allows us to identify the most promising teams and support their growth. The technologies born here can rapidly evolve into products essential for national and NATO defence.”

He also highlighted international collaboration: “Defence does not stop at Lithuania’s borders. Experts from NATO DIANA, Finland, Germany, and Estonia joined us to support startups shaping the future of drone and autonomous technologies.”

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Support

Viktorija Trimbel, Managing Director of Coinvest Capital, noted: “We are proud of our long-term partnership with Tech-Park Kaunas and the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union. Hackathon participants demonstrate strong understanding of military needs, mentoring networks are growing, and cooperation with defence professionals is deepening. The upcoming technology testing center Vytis will accelerate innovation and open new investment opportunities.”

Winners and Prizes

The main prize – a €1,000,000 investment negotiation invitation from Coinvest Capital – was awarded to PD Kinematics, whose solution impressed both investors and defence technology experts.

In the cybersecurity, AI, and autonomous systems category, sponsored by Surfshark, Hostinger, Oxylabs, and iDenfy, the top award went to TD Autonomy, which received €2,000. Second place was taken by Kovarnis (€1,500), and third place went to Enter (€500).

Additional recognitions included the Best Drone Solution (air, land, and water) prize, awarded to Buriuotojai, who received €1,000 from the Kaunas Business Club. The Best Space Technology Solution, valued at €1,000, went to SkillgappED, presented by the ESA BIC Lithuania Space Startup Incubator. A special €1,000 prize for neurosystem innovation was given to Kauno kolegija, courtesy of ScienceForBrain.

TD Autonomy also received an exclusive invitation to European Defence Week from Coinvest Capital, while SensePilot, Kovarnis, and Invematic gained fast-track entry to the LitBAN Pitch Event. The Oxylabs special prizes were presented to the winning teams of the Catch the Flag cybersecurity competition.