The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) and the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), Directorate of Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&D) are seeking cutting edge hardware and software solutions to address some of the challenging and longstanding technological gaps concerning remote autonomous indoor maneuver. It is evident that there will be no single technological solution but rather a toolbox of scalable, layered, modular, and multi-functional capabilities to enable operators to remotely and autonomously perform the full range of indoor missions. Accordingly, the MoSAIC Challenge will be executed as five distinct “Mini Challenges,” with each focusing on a specific enabling capability for remote autonomous indoor maneuver:
Indoor Navigation:
Software and algorithms that enable accurate navigation (the ability to move from point A to B) and localization in unknown indoor environments without any special infrastructure.
Room Mapping:
Software and algorithm-based solutions to autonomously explore previously unknown indoor spaces and construct maps or floor plans (2D\3D) of the explored environment completely, accurately, and in real-time.
Human/Object Tagging:
Software and algorithms that can automatically and accurately detect, recognize and classify between humans, animals and other objects of interest in different and lighting and visibility conditions.
Tactical Robotic Systems:
Ground and aerial platforms that are capable of maneuvering accurately and effectively in complex indoor environments with multiple levels (above and below ground); constrictive spaces; and twists, turns and blind corners.
Human Presence Detection:
Man-portable sense-through-wall solutions to detect, confirm, classify and monitor stationary and moving persons in an enclosed area of interest at a standoff distance with a low false alarm rate.
The MoSAIC Challenge judging team for all phases of the Challenge will consist of an international multi-disciplinary group of qualified and relevant government subject matter experts, program managers, and operators.
Prizes
All applications will be evaluated by the IWTSD, DDR&D and other government organizations. Applications that will be chosen to participate in the 2nd phase will receive access to workshops, knowledge sessions, networking events, mentoring and media exposure at challenge management discretion. Finalists will also receive personalized coaching to prepare them for the final event pitching competition as well as cash prizes (equity-free, no strings attached).
THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE MoSAIC CHALLENGE PRIZES = $600K
Winners and runners-up of each of the mini challenges will be recognized at the final ceremony and awarded prizes.
The MoSAIC Challenge will be executed as five distinct “Mini Challenges,” with each focusing on a specific high priority enabling capability for remote autonomous indoor maneuver to include: Indoor Navigation, Room Mapping, Human/Object Tagging, Tactical Robotic Systems and Human Presence Detection.Winners and runners-up of each of the mini challenges will be announced and awarded prizes.
Tactical Robotic Systems:
GRAND PRIZE – $75,000
Second prize – $10,000
Human Presence Detection:
GRAND PRIZE – $75,000
Second prize – $10,000
Indoor Navigation:
GRAND PRIZE – $15,000
Second prize – $5,000
Room Mapping:
GRAND PRIZE – $15,000
Second prize – $5,000
Human/Object Tagging:
GRAND PRIZE – $15,000
Second prize – $5,000
The top three finalists of each mini challenge will be automatically accepted into the prestigious Merage Institute Innovation Bridge Program in California (valued at $25,000 per company).
Admission terms
Any person/group/company is invited to participate in the MoSAIC challenge.
Persons/groups/companies may not propose technologies/products that received
are receiving funding from the U.S. or Israeli Governments (hereafter: “the Government”).
Advantages
Increase your exposure to the U.S. DoD and IMOD.
Take part in a first-class technological challenge with the best teams in the world.
Total prizes value at US$600,000.
Register
Submit your application through this website between June 24 to October 4, 2021.
All applications for the challenge must be completed by October 4, 2021 at 11:59PM (IST) / 4:59PM (ET).
About the Merage Institute
The Merage Institute is committed to promoting trade as a vehicle to economic growth between Israel and the United States. The institute accomplishes this through a number of innovative initiatives, including specialized Leadership Programs concerning U.S. marketing strategies to Israeli executives in the life sciences, HLS & cyber, FoodTech, FinTech and more.
The Merage Institute programs emphasize highly effective approaches to successful marketing, negotiation techniques, applied networking and sales strategies, finance, and legal and procurement issues concerning conducting business with and within the United States.
Faculty members in all of the Institute’s leadership programs include professors from some of the finest business schools in America. Other faculty members are highly respected CEOs and leading practitioners. The Institute also features an innovative business development component beginning with introductions to relevant U.S. entrepreneurs who may be interested in cooperating with value-adding Israeli businesses. For more information visit: www.merageinstitute.org
ABOUT THE IRREGULAR WARFARE TECHNICAL SUPPORT DIRECTORATE (IWTSD)
The IWTSD rapidly develops and delivers technological capabilities to the U.S. DoD components and interagency partners that address critical capability gaps for combating terrorism, irregular adversaries and peer/near peer threats.
https://www.iwtsd.gov/
About the Directorate of Defense Research
and Development (DDR&D)
The Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), at Israel’s Ministry of Defense, is a globally recognized center of knowledge and expertise in the field of military technology. The DDR&D contributes to the development, production and maintenance of the tools and technology used by the IDF and the entire defense estalishment. Their work guarantees Israel’s ability to protect its civilians and maintain its qualitative military edge.
A joint Ministry of Defense-IDF body, the DDR&D is operated by both civilians and military personnel. Its director is appointed by the Minister of Defense, in coordination with the Chief of the General Staff and Ministry of Defense Director General. The director reports to the Director General on issues related to the responsibilities of the Ministry of Defense and to the IDF Chief of Staff on issues related to the military. This integration and cooperation produces exceptional results in defense research and development.