START2 - OBJECTIVES

In the Interreg V IT-AT Smart Test of Alpine Rescue Technology (Akr. START) project, Alpine rescuers were empowered to contribute as partners in the research and development of Alpine technology, particularly rescue drones. An innovation process has been developed in which alpine rescuers have participated as users in R&D activities from the platform requirements definition stages. This capability needs to be further enhanced, with Alpine rescuers specifying, with the support of research organizations and technology companies, their requirements. The companies and research organizations will then develop solutions that Alpine rescuers will test in real-world conditions and provide their feedback to the development teams in a structured manner so that improvements can be made. In preparatory meetings, various alpine rescues and especially active rescue pilots explained the requirements and innovative potential of drones. From the NOI Techpark network, it was possible to identify partners who are not only able to meet these requirements, but also want to innovate the use of drones in the mountains.

Research institutions and companies want to work together with users to create sustainable mobility solutions. What is new is that this user-oriented approach will be implemented in an interregional “Living Lab.” The project involves the development of a Living Lab for drones, which will facilitate advanced forms of cooperation for stakeholders in neighboring regions: mountain rescuers, SMEs and researchers will work together to more effectively help people in mountain emergencies through advanced technologies. Project activities will enable:

1. Develop appropriate methods and forms of cross-border cooperation.
2. Develop collaborative technologies so that different unmanned systems can work together to accomplish a rescue mission in the same area.
3. Adapt and experiment with new technologies.
4. Develop CONOPS for innovative applications to use new technologies.
5. Conduct demonstrations to show the medical and rescue benefits of rescue drones.

The innovative applications will be demonstrated at the 2026 Olympics in Cortina.

Expected outcomes

Organizations cooperating across borders after project completion:

1. Based on the Mountain Rescue's START cooperation agreement, we are developing a “UAS Living Lab” with affiliated cross-border testing areas for the application of drones in extreme practice-oriented conditions, promotion of cross-sectoral collaboration, inter-project cooperation, and exchange with other regions, including data exchange. To this end, a cooperation agreement and a follow-up project involving project partners as well as other organizations are planned. - NOI spa - EURAC research - FH Kufstein Tirol Bildungs GmbH - MAVTech - FH Kärnten - gemeinnützige Gesellschaft mbH - FLYINGBASKET - CNSAS SASV APS 2 Zona Dolomiti Bellunesi - Österreichischer Bergrettungsdienst Land Tirol - Soccorso Alpino in the Alpenverein - Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico Alto Adige - Österreichische Rote Kreuz, Landesverband Kärnten - Bergwacht Bayern

Solutions adopted or enhanced by organizations:

1. Immediate solution. The project is working on a series of solutions that will enhance the ability of mountain rescue teams to provide assistance. As part of the co-creation process, we are developing operational concepts for the specific needs of people in distress in the mountains; priority is given to the following operational scenarios: - Searching for people along a trail - Transporting injured people - Searching for people in rough terrain - Searching for embers in forest fires For this purpose, technological and organizational solutions are being developed that will be used by mountain rescue services after the project is completed. The drone is particularly suitable in rough terrain and can significantly improve the main factor of rescuers' “safety” and “time” of arrival, especially in bad weather and rough terrain, where the risk of a classic rescue is high or the process is slow. The use of technology by alpine rescuers will be monitored throughout the duration of the project.
2. Sustainable solution. With the Living Lab approach, we are developing a solution to accelerate technological innovation for the efficient and effective use of drones in extreme conditions. This “endurance test” is important for the use of drones in urban areas and industrial applications, as safety is a top priority in aviation. For the implementation of the “UAS Living Lab,” the partners plan to develop a follow-up project under the project.

Project details

Project details:

Project name: START2

Projecd code: ITAT-11-008

CUP: B59I23002610005

Project budget: 1.235.497,60 € (co-financed: € 1.073.383,82)

Funding programme: INTERREG VI-A ITALIA-AUSTRIA 2021-2027

Project partner: MAVTech Srl., NOI Spa Eurac Research, FH Kufstein Tirol Bildungs GmbH ,FH Karnten – gemeinnutzige Gesellschaft mbH ,Flyingbasket srl, CNSAS SASV APS 2 ZONA DOLOMITI BELLUNESI

Project duration: 01.2024 – 03.2026