Abu Dhabi-based EDGE Group, one of the world’s top defence and advanced tech players, has teamed up with UK innovation scale-up Wazoku to launch a global open innovation challenge aimed at developing next-generation ‘Drone in a Box’ systems.
The challenge, now live on the Wazoku Crowd platform, is open to startups, researchers, universities, and established companies from across the globe, including those based right here in the MENA region.
The goal? To design fully integrated drone systems that combine a UAV, docking and charging station, ground control software, and operational platform, all packed into one scalable unit.
A total prize pool of $20,000 is up for grabs, with $15,000 going to the winner and $5,000 awarded to the runner-up. Finalists will get the chance to demonstrate their ‘Drone in a Box’ prototypes at EDGE headquarters and potentially secure development or acquisition deals.
Ahmed Al Khoori, SVP – Strategy & Excellence at EDGE, said “This challenge represents a significant opportunity to help shape the future of defence 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.”
Drone in a Box: A high-tech call to action for the MENA innovation scene
The ‘Drone in a Box’ initiative is particularly timely as demand for autonomous UAVs continues to grow across sectors like defence, logistics, and infrastructure security.
EDGE is calling for designs that feature AI-driven autonomy, predictive maintenance, advanced navigation, and low human intervention especially those that can operate in challenging, remote environments.
The partnership supports EDGE’s broader Learning & Innovation Factory (LIF) strategy, which aims to strengthen the UAE’s high-tech ecosystem by investing in advanced technologies, building national talent, and boosting collaboration.
Simon Hill, CEO of Wazoku, shared his excitement about the collaboration, “EDGE is one of the most forward-thinking defence 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.”
The Wazoku Crowd connects over 700,000 solvers globally, including engineers, startups, scientists, and academia. It has powered breakthrough innovations for major organisations like NASA, the UK Ministry of Defence, and the US Navy.
Submissions for the ‘Drone in a Box’ challenge close on July 7, 2025. Entries must include a technical proposal and a short video demo. Importantly, participants retain full IP rights and may be invited to collaborate further with EDGE after the competition.
