NATO Innovation Challenge 2022
What is the NATO Innovation Challenge?
The NATO Innovation Challenge, initiated in 2017, is a brainstorming process aimed at resolving common Alliance and Nations operational problems efficiently and cost-effectively. Co-organized by the NATO Innovation Hub (Allied Command Transformation) and NATO Nations, the Challenge gives priority access to non-traditional innovators (academia, individuals, and start-ups) and expands NATO networks and collaboration with industry and academia.
The Innovation Challenge is open to all NATO Nations. It provides visibility to participants and their solutions and, for the winners, offers the opportunity to develop their products. The Challenge is the cornerstone of creating a NATO-wide Innovation Network. The NATO Innovation Network strives to develop a shared culture of innovation among NATO Nations and inspire transformation.
Who organizes the NATO Innovation Challenge?
The NATO Innovation Challenge is organizes twice a year by Allied Command Transformation - NATO Innovation Hub. This edition is co-organized with the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) and the Ministry of Defense of Romania, who will host the finale.
Who can participate?
Every innovator can participate. However, only submissions by entities headquartered or located in NATO member countries will be considered for the preselection phase. Participants who register as individuals must hold one of NATO countries nationalities. Team representatives must hold a NATO country nationality.
How and where can I participate?
First register (click on Participate) then submit your abstract here until September 19. If you abstract is selected during the preselection phase, you will attend the finale and compete against the 9 other finalists in front of a jury of experts. You first need to register on this page before submitting your proposal.
When is the finale? Is it online or onsite?
The finale is on October 12 (see agenda) and is an hybrid public event. If you are a finalist you can attend the event online or onsite (in Bucharest). If you only want to watch the finale, it will be available on livestreaming.
What at the requirements for the abstract?
The abstract should be submitted here. It should include:
1) The name of the team and its members (Industry/academia)
2) The name of the proposed solution and which area(s) of interest it addresses;
3) Name(s) of participant’s representative(s) (new representatives cannot be appointed after pre-selection)
4) How it answers the challenge statement and why the solution is relevant to NATO. How it answers the three criteria of usefulness, innovativness and feasibility.
The abstract can include up to 4500 characters max text document.
Only non classified information and data can be uploaded. Abstracts should be written in English.
Judging criteria
Solutions will be scored by a pool of experts during the preselection phase and the finale against:
- Usefulness: potential impact of proposed solution on challenge topic.
- Innovativeness: is it a genuinely new idea or an already existing solution adapted for this Challenge?
- Feasibility: is the solution easy and cheap to develop and implement?
Awards
HQ SACT presents three levels of monetary awards for the top three winners of the IC-22/Fall: a. first place: $5,000 USD, b. second place: $2,500 USD, c. third place: $1,000 USD.
Relevant solutions could support the development of future NATO concepts, doctrine, standards, requirements, capability development, and will get stage-time at NATO-wide events.
The three winners will be invited to attend NATO Edge Flagship Conference on 25-27 October 2022, at Lotto Mons Expo, in Mons, Belgium.
The winner’s package will include:
- One registration waiver for admission to NATO Edge event;
- Award ceremony on the opening day (announcement and welcome of the winners in a plenary session, including a short pitch per solution);
- Free showcase space at NATO Edge exhibition;
- Possibility to demonstrate their innovative solutions on-site in front of key NATO, national and industry audiences.
More information click here.
Fred Sugden
Fred Sugden
Fred is responsible for techUK's activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working to provide members with access to key stakeholders across the Defence and National Security community. Before taking on the role of Associate Director for Defence and National Security, Fred joined techUK in 2018, working as the Programme Head for Defence at techUK, leading the organisation's engagement with the Ministry of Defence. Before joining techUK, he worked at ADS, the national trade association representing Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space companies in the UK.
Fred is responsible for techUK’s market engagement and policy development activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working closely with various organisations within the Ministry of Defence, and across the wider National Security and Intelligence community. Fred works closely with many techUK member companies that have an interest in these sectors, and is responsible for the activities of techUK's senior Defence & Security Board. Working closely with techUK's Programme Head for Cyber Security, Fred oversees a broad range of activities for techUK members.
Outside of work, Fred's interests include football (a Watford FC fan) and skiing.
- Email:
- [email protected]
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- 07985 234 170
Francesca Richiusa
Francesca Richiusa
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.
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- [email protected]
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- www.techuk.org/
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- https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-richiusa/
Jeremy Wimble
Jeremy Wimble
Jeremy manages techUK's defence programme, helping the UK's defence technology sector align itself with the Ministry of Defence - including Defence Digital, DE&S, innovation units and Frontline Commands - through a broad range of activities including private briefings and early market engagement events. It also supports the MOD as it procures new digital technologies.
Prior to joining techUK, from 2016-2024 Jeremy was International Security Programme Manager at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) coordinating research and impact activities for funders including the FCDO and US Department of Defense, as well as business development and strategy.
Jeremy has a MA in International Relations from the University of Birmingham and a BA (Hons) in Politics & Social Policy from Swansea University.
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- [email protected]
Tracy Modha
Tracy Modha
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
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- [email protected]
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- 02073312000
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- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83