-Abertis is calling upon entities and startups from all over the world to come up with pathbreaking, drone use-based solutions to today’s mobility challenges to improve road operations and infrastructure maintenance

-The call is part of Beyond Roads, Abertis' innovation hub for the transformation of high-capacity roads.

30 November 2023.- Abertis, a world leader in transforming high-capacity roads, is launching its Drone Challenge initiative, an international call open to entities and startups to come up with potential solutions to the industry’s different challenges. The project is designed to attract a broad innovative ecosystem made up of universities, entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups. The initiative is part of Beyond Roads, Abertis' open innovation hub, devised to explore and promote smart solutions in the infrastructure and mobility field.

"We are very interested in advancing in the use of drones and on-board technology to continue improving the operation and maintenance activities of our high-capacity roads," said Toni Durán, head of innovation at Abertis.

Until 30 January, startups and SMEs from all over the world interested in joining synergies with Abertis and contributing their innovative and effective drone-based solutions can submit their applications through https://beyondroads.abertis.com/ . All applications will be examined by a committee of experts made up of members from the different countries in which the group operates. The winning entry, which will be announced in April 2024, will be award a prize of worth approximately €40,000 to carry out a pilot in one of the countries where Abertis operates, while the six finalist solutions will receive a financial prize of €4,000.

Mobility’s challenges, from the air

Drones and their on-board technology can be used in different ways, including as a solution to improve high-capacity road operations in areas such as traffic management, road operation support, effective emergency response and adverse weather events on roads.

Drones are also useful for improving infrastructure maintenance activities, such as inspection or rehabilitation of pavements and structures

“At Abertis we’re committed to leading the infrastructure management revolution, partnering with universities, entrepreneurs and visionary startups that share our passion for a more sustainable, safe and efficient future," said Georgina Flamme, director of the Abertis Foundation. "We want to develop new and even more advanced solutions that help us improve all our indicators to directly and positively impact the well-being of people and the environment”.

• Press release