Frontex has taken a significant step forward in its mission to innovate and enhance border surveillance and management with the successful completion of Demo Day of the Prize Contest focused on the development of a Digital Twin. Held on 23-24 June 2025, the event saw three top teams - Kondorcad Landsurv from Romania, GMV from Spain, and the Institute of Geodesy and Cartography from Poland - showcase their innovative solutions for developing a Digital Twin of a sample of terrain close to the Dubova Region in Romania.
The Prize Contest is part of Frontex's effort to expand the Copernicus Border Surveillance Service (CBSS) and improve the European Border and Coast Guard community's capabilities in scenario simulations, operational exercises, and technical equipment deployment planning. The contest aims to incentivise industry to develop innovative concepts and technological solutions for cost-efficient, scalable, and integrated operational capabilities for border surveillance.
During Demo Day, the three teams worked tirelessly to respond to two challenging tasks, demonstrating their commitment and dedication to delivering comprehensive solutions.
On the first day, the teams received Challenge Cards with a description of simulation scenarios, and on the second day, they presented their results, showcasing their ability to work under pressure and think creatively.
The Challenge Cards described the following scenarios:
Demo Day marked the culmination of Phase 2, where the teams demonstrated their solutions and responded to the proposed scenarios and parameters.
The evaluation process is now underway, with the results to be announced during the Award Ceremony on 18 September 2025 in Warsaw. The top three teams will receive prizes, with the winner receiving EUR 80,000, the second-place team receiving EUR 60,000, and the third-place team receiving EUR 40,000.
All three teams have demonstrated exceptional skills and commitment, making them winners already. The final evaluation will focus on ranking the teams, with the winner being announced at the Award Ceremony.
The creation of a Digital Twin of the EU's external borders is a groundbreaking initiative that could enhance the Member States’ capabilities in monitoring and managing their borders. This Prize Contest is a significant step forward in the development of innovative solutions for border surveillance and management, playing a crucial role in supporting the European Union's Integrated Border Management and Digitisation Strategy, which aims to leverage cutting-edge technologies to improve the security, efficiency, and effectiveness of operations.
The contest has brought together industry experts, researchers, end users, and policymakers to collaborate and share knowledge, driving innovation and excellence in the field. The outcomes of the contest are expected to have a positive impact on the European Border and Coast Guard community, enhancing their capabilities and contributing to a safer and more secure Europe.
