EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defense groups, has partnered with innovation scale-up Wazoku, to launch Drone in a box challenge, a global open innovation challenge, via the Wazoku Crowd platform to identify next-generation drone solutions.
The Drone in a Box Challenge is open to innovators, startups, universities, and established organizations worldwide, and seeks fully integrated systems that combine a drone, docking and charging station, ground control platform, and operational software into a single, scalable unit.
For the Drone in a Box Challenge, EDGE is offering a total prize fund of $20,000, awarding $15,000 to the winning entry and $5,000 to the runner-up. Finalists will be invited to EDGE to demonstrate their solutions, with the potential for further development or acquisition.
The Drone in a Box Challenge addresses the rising global demand for autonomous UAV systems that are cost-effective, rapidly deployable, and resilient in harsh environments. EDGE is particularly interested in solutions requiring minimal human intervention and featuring AI-driven autonomy, predictive maintenance, advanced navigation, and mobile or remote deployment.
Ahmed Al Khoori, SVP – Strategy & Excellence, EDGE Group
“This Drone in a Box challenge represents a significant opportunity to help shape the future of defense technology. By partnering with Wazoku, we’re engaging a global community of problem-solvers to define the next evolution of unmanned systems, solutions that could transform ISR, logistics, perimeter security, and more.”
The Drone in a Box Challenge has been led and coordinated by the EDGE Innovation team, reflecting the Group’s commitment to open collaboration and rapid capability development. It supports EDGE’s Learning & Innovation Factory (LIF) strategy, which invests in advanced technologies, fosters innovation, and builds national capacity.
LIF aims to strengthen collaboration across the UAE’s advanced technology ecosystem and establish EDGE as a center of excellence and innovation within the wider community.
Wazoku Crowd connects more than 700,000 solvers worldwide, including engineers, scientists, technologists, start-ups, and academic institutions. It has previously delivered successful outcomes for NASA, the UK Ministry of Defence, and the US Navy.
“EDGE is one of the most forward-thinking defense and advanced technology groups, and we’re proud to partner with them on this and future challenges. ‘Drone in a Box’ solutions are critical enablers for autonomous operations, and we’re confident the Wazoku Crowd will surface bold, innovative solutions that meet EDGE’s ambitions,” said Simon Hill, CEO of Wazoku.
The application deadline is on 7 July 2025. Submissions must include a detailed technical proposal and supporting video demonstration. Finalists will retain intellectual property rights and may enter negotiations with EDGE for further development or acquisition of their solutions.
