Krypto Labs, the global innovation hub based in Abu Dhabi, has announced the shortlisted teams from Phase I and the opening of Phase II of Drone X Challenge 2020, the global multimillion-dollar challenge that is pushing the frontiers of innovation in drone technologies focusing on transportation and delivery. The shortlisted teams of the first phase received US$320,000 in R&D grants, which required applicants to provide a technical proposal detailing the design of a drone system capable of carrying heavy payloads for long durations. During this first phase, Krypto Labs received 584 applications from 55 countries.

The shortlisted teams of Drone X Challenge 2020 Phase I are:

Multi-rotor battery powered:

• Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) from Taiwan
• KopterKraft from Germany

Multi-rotor hydrocarbon/hybrid powered:

• DV8 Tech from USA
• Richen Power from China
• Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) from Taiwan

Fixed-wing battery powered:

• Vulcan UAV Ltd from UK
• RigiTech from Switzerland

Fixed-wing hydrocarbon/hybrid powered:

• Forward Robotics from Canada

Companies that want to apply for Drone X Challenge 2020 Phase II will have to develop an MVP capable of achieving the minimum endurance and payload as per the category they are applying to. The outstanding applications that meet the requirements of Phase II will receive US$300,000 in R&D grants.

Dr. Saleh Al Hashemi, Managing Director of Krypto Labs said: “This competition aligns with our efforts in contributing to the development of drone technology globally, as the drone market in the UAE is already among the most advanced in the region. We aim to redefine the way drone technologies are impacting our lives, and Krypto Labs is proud to be leading the way in the region by supporting startups, established companies, and industries involved in the field of drone development. By catalyzing and supporting these innovative solutions, we aim to continue leveraging disruptive technologies that can create value and make an impact.”

The three phases of Drone X Challenge 2020 are taking place over two years, providing US$620,000 in R&D grants for the first and second phases, and providing US$1 million in prizes for the final phase.

For more information about Drone X Challenge 2020, please visit https://dronexchallenge2020.com/