EU research

Frontex is pleased to announce the final selection of four projects to receive the grants under the Research Grants Programme. Starting this year, four non-profit beneficiaries have 12 months to reach their objectives in various research areas: surveillance systems using photonic radars, optical first-line ID checks, methodologies for collecting data from unmanned aircraft systems, and smart energy systems for unmanned marine vehicles. The vastness of topics marks Frontex’s great interest in innovative and effective coast and border management solutions.

The grants are part of a new financing scheme known as the Frontex Research Grants Programme, which provides a total of EUR 240 000 in funding to support technological research that aligns with Frontex’s strategic and technology development priorities. By providing financial support to non-profit research entities, Frontex wishes to scale up the cooperation with the scientific community and jointly drive innovation for the benefit of the border and coast guard community. 

This year the grants were awarded to four research projects exemplifying innovative ideas showing potential for the use in border management. During the Innovation Awards Ceremony, Frontex highlighted the importance of this research initiative, renewing its commitment and support to the projects, and the interest toward the tangible outcomes of the Programme.

Frontex is committed to enhancing border security in the European Union through technological innovation and research. The Frontex Research Grants Programme exemplifies this commitment, fostering collaboration with the academic community to address emerging border security challenges. This initiative reflects Frontex’s proactive approach to maintaining secure and efficient borders, while upholding fundamental rights and safety standards.

The four projects cover various aspects of work of the European coast guard and border communality and reflect the identified niches for improvement. They are:

• TUTELARY Coastal surveillance system exploiting photonics-based radar security

• SEMS4USV The smart energy management system for sustainable extended-range marine unmanned surface vehicles

• SWEETIDS Sweet spot ID Documentation System

• DMDLBVEC will develop a methodology as well as a prototype to collect data from the land border using Unmanned Aircraft Systems

If you wish to know more about these awarded projects and the kick-off meetings, visit their dedicated webpages.