IRON Cluster will host an event on drone autonomy: keynotes, panel discussions, and startup pitches

On May 14, the IRON defence tech cluster will host the “Drone Autonomy” conference in Lviv. This event is aimed at entrepreneurs, military personnel, and investors working on a new era of autonomous warfare systems. The conference will serve not only as a discussion platform but also as an opportunity for startups in the field of autonomous technologies to present their solutions to investors. Defender is the media partner of the event.

The conference organizers emphasize that in 2024, autonomous drones in Ukraine have moved beyond the prototype stage and are already changing the rules of the battlefield. The sector is rapidly developing, particularly in areas like swarm technologies and autonomous target detection.

“This conference is an open dialogue between manufacturers and the military about the role, place, and importance of autonomous systems on the battlefield today,” IRON states. “We’ll discuss what already works and which technologies still need refinement.”

What to expect at the conference:

• Keynote speeches from industry leaders on achievements and challenges;
• Panel discussions with military personnel and manufacturers on the practical application of autonomous systems at the front;
• Startup pitches to investors;
• Networking.

During the keynotes and panel discussions, participants will address topics such as:

• How effective are current solutions, and what developments do the military actually need?
• Why do some technologies struggle to transition from prototype to battlefield?
• Where is the market headed? Are autonomous solutions overhyped?

Participants will include representatives from:

• Sine Engineering, a Ukrainian electronics and communications systems manufacturer;
• “Boryviter” Military School;
• Brave 1 cluster;
• The Command of the UAV Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
• 412th Independent UAV Regiment NEMESIS.

To participate in the conference, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/yPYHqn3xopjdpY7YA

Startups working on swarm technologies, autonomous detection and targeting (including interceptors), counter-drone solutions, GPS-free navigation, and other autonomy-related components can apply for the pitch session with a chance to attract investment: https://forms.gle/PBdW94hD1Zi8zthr6

IRON is a defence tech cluster based in Lviv. It brings together 75 companies and startups, creating an innovative ecosystem for business growth. IRON participants develop cutting-edge solutions in robotics, electronics, radio communications, unmanned systems, and frontline innovations.