November 15, 2025 | Ottawa, ON

The Challenge

Modern battlefields are swarming with small, low-cost drones (Class 1 UAS)—systems too elusive for radar and tricky for traditional detection.

These systems are often too small to appear on radar or may operate in cluttered environments where traditional RF detection is ineffective. Yet, their motors, propellers, and flight patterns produce distinct acoustic signatures, allowing drones to be recognized by sound and subsequently detected and classified.

Your mission: Build “Shazam for Drones”—a smart, audio-based system that listens, detects, and pinpoints airborne threats in real time.

What’s at Stake

Compete to develop a rapid software prototype that identifies, classifies, and distinguishes different Class 1 UAS using real acoustic data. Your tool must separate drones from noise—whether birds, vehicles, or wind—and integrate with a live dashboard for demo day.

Key Details

• Teams: 10 teams will be selected or assembled (4–5 people each)

  • You may apply as an individual, or with a full team. Solo applicants are encouraged and will be placed on a team

• Final Demo: November 15th, with up to 80 guests and experts in attendance for final pitches

• Dataset: Access a realistic, challenge-provided audio dataset covering 10 drone models and background noise

• Apply by end of day (PST) Nov. 7 — SIGN UP IS NOW CLOSED

• Hosted by Area X.O operated by Invest Ottawa. Sponsored by AVSS, Kongsberg, NORRG, RMUS Canada, ThinkOn. The Icebreaker is a promotional partner and advisor

Deliverables

• Working prototype for real-time drone audio detection

• Model distinguishes drone/non-drone sounds

• Integration with a basic web/mobile dashboard

• Live demo showcasing capabilities

Prize Pool: $20,000 CAD

• 1st Place: $10,000

• 2nd Place: $6,000

• 3rd Place (3 teams): $1,000 each

• Best Presenter: $1,000