MAVTech at the START2 Final Event: from R&D to real-world impact

The START2 final event at NOI Techpark marked an important milestone for MAVTech, offering the opportunity to present the results of our R&D activities developed throughout the project and to connect with partners, stakeholders, and end users in an exceptionally well-organized setting. It was not only a valuable showcase, but also a platform for building concrete follow-up opportunities. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Sebastian Mayrgündter and the NOI Techpark team for their leadership throughout the project and for hosting such a successful final event.

Key points

The event confirmed that the technology developed within START2 is not only technically sound, but also operationally relevant. The significant results achieved by all partners strengthened our confidence in the real-world applicability of the living lab approach — particularly in mountain rescue and emergency response scenarios.

For MAVTech, the most meaningful outcome was the positive feedback on our tethered drone use case, which enabled the restoration of TETRA radio coverage in a signal-deprived canyon during the Pilot Day 2025 at the Serrai di Sottoguda.

Results achieved

MAVTech presented the results of eight development streams carried out within START2: the evolution of the Q4X drone platform (increased endurance, RTK precision, and progress toward EASA C3/C5 certification), the new compact multi-mission RX3 drone (EASA C2 certification pathway), integrated tethered drone solutions for long-endurance operations, wildfire detection systems using drone-mounted sensors, a preliminary vertiport design for rapid emergency response, the VTOL Lifeseeker for long-range search-and-rescue missions, and an automated mission planning tool for hiking trail operations.

The exchange with rescue professionals, institutional partners, and other technology developers confirmed a shared vision regarding the integration of UAVs into emergency operations in alpine environments.

Throughout the project, MAVTech was proud to share updates, results, and insights via digital channels such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, reaching both its professional network and a wider audience interested in drone technology and civil protection.

In addition, participation in Civil Protect 2025 and REAS 2025, due tra le più importanti fiere in Italia dedicate alla protezione civile e al soccorso d’emergenza, ha permesso a MAVTech di presentare e promuovere i risultati del progetto START2 tra le comunità di utenti finali più rilevanti.