Empowering Startups Through Cascade Funding: Sploro at PODIM 2025
06 May 2025
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Are you ready to make a tangible impact on the future of agriculture, forestry, and livestock management? The SPADE Project is your opportunity to step into the spotlight and be part of the groundbreaking revolution in drone technology. Funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe, SPADE is launching its second and final Open Call, offering €525,000 in funding to support up to 9 visionary projects. With €60,000 available for 8 projects and €45,000 for 1 project, this is your chance to transform the future of sustainable farming and forestry.
The planet is asking for help and agri-forestry drones are one of the solutions we urgently need. As we face the mounting challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss, the future demands smarter, more sustainable practices. Drones are revolutionizing the way we approach agriculture, forestry, and livestock management by providing real-time, data-driven insights to address these urgent environmental issues.
From detecting crop diseases to monitoring wildlife health and managing forests more efficiently, drones are the key to transforming how we interact with our land. SPADE, offers you the chance to be part of this transformative ecosystem, where technology meets sustainability, and together we can answer the planet’s call for change.
Are you an innovative startup, an SME, or a research organization with the ambition to lead the way in drone technology? Whether you’re ready to push boundaries or already have an idea that could change the game, SPADE is seeking you. Your project could help build a digital ecosystem of sustainable drone services, designed to revolutionize farming, forestry, and livestock management across Europe.
We’re looking for entities based in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. This is open to startups, SMEs, research organizations, and tech innovators who are legally established. Single entities or consortia of up to two organizations can apply, with proposals that address one of SPADE’s defined challenges and integrate into the SPADE ecosystem.
The SPADE Open Call 2 presents a dynamic array of challenges, each one a chance to make a tangible impact. From harnessing machine learning for disease detection in crops, to crafting lightweight drone landing gear for rugged terrains, to creating GPS-powered fencing systems for smarter livestock management, there’s no shortage of opportunities to innovate.
Whether you’re focused on open-field agriculture in Spain, advancing forestry in Norway, or transforming livestock management in Greece, the possibilities are endless. And if those specific challenges don’t quite fit your expertise, don’t worry! There are still the universal challenges to explore: developing coordinated drone swarms, pioneering open-source omnidirectional drones, and building cloud-based tools to harness the full power of aerial data. No matter your focus, there’s a place for your innovation to thrive and help shape the future.
Joining SPADE Open Call #2 offers EU-funded support for innovative drone solutions, providing access to the SPADE digital ecosystem and expert guidance throughout the process. Participants will receive technical support and have the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of sustainable farming and forestry practices, making a meaningful impact on these vital industries. Pre-register now and help shape a more sustainable future for our planet!
