The SHINE event focused on the critical areas of emerging and disruptive technologies, cross-domain command and critical underwater infrastructure. Innovative products were evaluated in real-life operational scenarios to assess their potential use and impact on NATO’s capabilities. Tech experts gathered in an exploratory environment in the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation in La Spezia, to test ideas to advance and improve efforts in order to strengthen the Alliance.
Over 30 NCIA experts supported the event by demonstrating 13 major NATO Emerging and Disruptive Technologies experiments, in the form of Artificial Intelligence, Quantum, Space, Autonomy, NextGen Comms Networks, among many others. Those activities were in the scope of a €2.7M annual project that NCIA and ACT collaborate on, alongside 10 different industry and not-for-profit partners.
NCIA space experts partook in the space innovation programme from 27 to 31 October, to test point-to-point communications with a terminal in the High North region. The experimentation included testing connections between the two ground terminals in La Spezia, Italy and Svalbard, Norway, via a commercial low earth orbit constellation.
The High North carries significant strategic interest through maritime routes, climate conservation, and territorial claims, as well as new opportunities for cooperation, as NATO continues to ensure the collective security of its members, and preserve the safety and stability of Arctic region.
“The High North is a high priority to NATO, and satellite communications is an indispensable tool to ensure seamless connectivity and information superiority in this critical region,” said Pinar Yasar Orten, Head of Satellite Communication Technologies at NCIA. “Although the environmental conditions in the High North were harsh during the experimentation, the tests proved to be successful.”
The SHINE event marked the successful culmination of the Innovation Continuum 2024. By fostering collaboration between industry, academia, governments and military, NATO is driving innovation to ensure the Alliance’s ability to adapt to future challenges. NCIA will bring together innovators, decision-makers and visionaries from these fields at NATO Edge 24 this December, in Tampa, Florida. Be part of the conversation and register now.