German Aerospace Center (DLR) sponsoring prize for “next-generation navigation”

Oberpfaffenhofen, 7 July 2010 -- As part of the European Satellite Navigation Competition 2010, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is offering a special topic prize for “next-generation navigation”. This subject area is meant to motivate participants to come up with fundamentally new ideas, optimised technologies, and application-oriented innovations for the satellite navigation of tomorrow. Oriented toward companies, research institutes, public organisations, and private entrepreneurs, the competition is still accepting entries until 31 July.

Whoever takes home the DLR special topic prize will be able to develop and systematically implement the winning idea with the help of feasibility/concept studies, prototype/business development, and other services worth a total of €50,000. In sponsoring the 2010 iteration of its prize, DLR is focusing on security-critical applications and bio-engineering in navigation.

In the field of security, DLR is looking for technical solutions that offer improved precision and signal availability, interference identification and prevention, support for security-related tasks, and/or real-time traffic and transport navigation. Last year, DLR awarded a security system submitted by the university RWTH Aachen (Germany), which utilises the high-precision location-based data of the European Train Control System to increase the verification accuracy of track positions ascertained through GNSS.

Meanwhile, the area of bio-engineering in navigation has DLR hoping to find interdisciplinary ideas that combine natural and engineering science – particularly those with a basis in biology. The specific issues involved concern nature-based location and orientation methods and their transfer to applications and new approaches in support of satellite positioning, with or without complex infrastructures.

Organised by the Application Center for Satellite Navigation Oberpfaffenhofen since 2004, the European Satellite Navigation Competition is an international innovation contest carried out under the patronage of the Bavarian Ministry for Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Transport, and Technology. In addition to the DLR prize, entrants can submit their ideas for consideration for seven other special topic prizes and awards in 23 partner regions. The winners will be recognised at the Munich Residenz (Germany) on 18 October 2010.

To obtain more information on the European Satellite Navigation Competition and submit your idea by 31 July 2010, please visit www.galileo-masters.eu.

DLR’s call for submissions for its special topic prize is available at
http://galileo-masters.eu/index.php?anzeige=special_prizes_dlr.html.

Related link:
Information on the subject of navigation at DLR: www.dlr.de/kn/en

About the German Aerospace Center (DLR)

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is the national aerospace research centre of the Federal Republic of Germany. Its extensive research and development work is carried out in national and international cooperations. In addition to its own research, DLR serves the German government as the space agency responsible for the planning and execution of the country’s aerospace activities, as well as the international protection of interests. DLR is also the umbrella organisation of Germany’s largest project management agency.

Around 6,500 people work for DLR at 29 institutes and other facilities in thirteen locations in Germany – Cologne (executive headquarters), Berlin, Bonn, Braunschweig, Bremen, Göttingen, Hamburg, Lampoldshausen, Neustrelitz, Oberpfaffenhofen, Stuttgart, Trauen, and Weilheim. DLR also maintains foreign offices in Brussels, Paris, and Washington, D.C.

DLR’s mission covers the exploration of the earth and solar system, research into environmental preservation and environmentally friendly technologies, and optimizing mobility, communications, and security. Its research portfolio in the business fields of aviation, aerospace, transport, and energy extend from fundamental research to the innovative applications and products of tomorrow. The scientific and technological expertise obtained by DLR thus aids in strengthening Germany as an industrial and technological location. In addition, DLR operates major research facilities for its own projects and as a service for customers and partners. It also supports young scientists, provides sound advice to policymakers, and is a driving force in the regions surrounding its locations.
www.dlr.de/en

About the European Satellite Navigation Competition

The European Satellite Navigation Competition is an international innovation contest that awards the best ideas for applications in satellite navigation. The competition has been organised by Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen (AZO) since 2004 and is oriented toward companies, entrepreneurs, research institutes, universities and private individuals. As part of the competition, AZO has established a network that has since expanded to 23 regions worldwide. The network connects technology hubs and companies that boast some of the most important players in the fields of incubation, prototype and product development, market development, and idea management for applications related to satellite navigation. Meanwhile, aerospace clusters and other regional initiatives involved in the network give entrepreneurs crucial access to potential partners and investors.

Having begun with three partner regions, this year’s ESNC will be held in 23 high-tech regions all over the world: Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Nice / Sophia Antipolis, Prague, South Holland, Madrid, Lombardy, Australia, Taiwan, Great Britain, Øresund, Gipuzkoa, Valencia, Switzerland, and Israel as well as newcomers Lithuania, Aquitaine, USA, Brazil and the Arab Middle East & North Africa (MENA).

The ESNC intends to further strengthen international collaboration among these regions, particular with regard to the development of applications and services made possible by Galileo, Europe’s satellite navigation system. The competition is held under the patronage of the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology and is supported by the European BIC Network (EBN). The main winners of the ESNC – the GALILEO Master, the special topic prize winners, and the 23 regional winners – will be recognised at a state reception to be held at the Munich Residenz on 18 October 2010.

www.galileo-masters.eu


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