ZANDER-F: Novel data transmission methods in challenging environments

 Agentur für Innovation in der Cybersicherheit GmbH 

About 

The Agentur für Innovation in der Cybersicherheit GmbH (Cyberagentur) has launched the ZANDER-F research program, backed by a budget of over 15 million euros. The initiative seeks to develop groundbreaking technologies that enable communication and imaging through conductive barriers such as Faraday cages—an unprecedented capability. Designed as a five-year project, ZANDER-F addresses critical needs of German special forces and holds the potential to revolutionize secure communication technologies. The call for proposals is designed as a multi-stage process.

The Challenge  

The ZANDER-F challenge focuses on researching and developing technologies that enable communication, imaging, and detection through solid conductive barriers, including Faraday cages. The program defines five key operational scenarios, each representing a critical use case where conventional communication and sensing methods fail:

• Scenario A – Communication through metal walls: Overcoming barriers such as ship hulls or containers to maintain reliable data transmission.
• Scenario B – Imaging through metal walls: Generating actionable imaging information in environments shielded by conductive materials.
• Scenario C – Communication through sand or clay: Ensuring connectivity through materials like concrete walls or underground tunnels.
• Scenario D – Imaging through sand or clay: Visualizing and mapping obstructed spaces such as tunnels or buried structures.
• Scenario E – Detection of small UAVs: Identifying drones operating behind buildings, in urban environments, or in other areas with obstructed lines of sight.

The ultimate goal of the research tender is to deliver a prototype system up to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 that demonstrates, for each of these scenarios, the ability to maintain reliable communication links, provide accurate imaging, and detect relevant targets even when electromagnetic signals are strongly attenuated. This work addresses pressing operational needs of special forces and rescue units, offering the potential to transform secure communication, situational awareness, and operational effectiveness in complex, shielded, or obstructed environments.

Timeframe

Deadline for Submitting Proposals: October 17, 2025, 10:00 am

How to apply:

All proposals for this tender must be submitted electronically through the designated platform at https://www.evergabe-online.de/tenderdetails.html?id=774046. Submissions must be prepared in German.

The SPIN4EIC consortium is not responsible for the challenges launched by private or public buyers. Each participating entity is solely responsible for its own challenge, including the selection process, communication with applicants, and all information provided to participants.