ChatGPT Image 17 déc. 2025, 10_53_55.png

DIREKTION
AWARDS 2026

“Best near-to-deployment innovative solutions regarding Disaster and Resilience society gaps for emergency responders”

Applications are open
from January 6 to March 6, 2026

The 2nd DIREKTION Awards aim to identify and reward the most promising near-to-deployment innovative solutions addressing key capability gaps in disaster resilience and responding to the operational needs of emergency responders. This second edition places a strong emphasis on accelerating innovation uptake and supporting the transition of validated solutions towards wider operational adoption across Europe.

Solution providers are invited to submit mature and demonstrable innovations with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 5 and 7. Proposed solutions must address current priority capability gaps identified by the DIREKTION consortium, in coherence with the International Forum to Advance First Responder Innovation (IFAFRI) capability gap framework.

REAL-TIME TRACKING OF RESPONDERS

The ability to know the location of responders and their proximity to threats and hazards in real time

REAL-TIME DETECTION, MONITORING AND ANALYSIS OF THREATS AND HAZARDS

The ability to detect, monitor and analyze passive and active threats and hazards at scenes in real time

RAPID IDENTIFICATION

The ability to rapidly identify hazardous agents and contaminants

INTEGRATION OF INFORMATION

The ability to incorporate information from multiple and nontraditional sources into incident command operations

INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS

The ability to maintain interoperable communications with responders in any environmental conditions

REMOTE ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION

The ability to obtain critical information remotely about the extent, perimeter, or interior of the incident

REMOTE OPERATIONS

The ability to conduct on-scene operations remotely without endangering responders

RESPONDER HEALTH

The ability to monitor the physiological signs of emergency responders

ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE

The ability to create actionable intelligence based on data and information from multiple sources

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

The ability to provide appropriate and advanced personal protective equipment

The prize

10 winners will be selected and awarded €10,000 each. The cash prize amount is intended to be used to cover:

Communication and promotion of the awarded solution

Attendance to international events related to disaster resilience

Visibility through pitch session during the Interschutz FAIR and CERIS Disaster Resilience Days in June 2026

The timeline

Call documentation

To ensure a clear understanding of the call and the submission process, all applicants should carefully read the documentation:

Guide for Applicant

Frequently Asked Questions

We strongly advise you to review the DIREKTION Guide for Applicants before completing your Application Form.
Submit your Application Form here (including the uploading of your picture and video)

DIREKTION AWARDS​ 2026