The European-funded project will integrate artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and advanced sensors to address global security challenges
A groundbreaking initiative to redefine safety and operational efficiency in conflict zones has officially been launched under the coordination of GMV Aerospace and Defence. The GENIUS project (next GEneration of IA and combat cloud systems for NeutralIzation of Unexploded threatS), backed by funding from the European Commission through the European Defence Fund, brings together 18 leading European entities, including the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), in a united effort to address the pressing challenges posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs), and landmines.
Traditional methods of detecting and neutralizing these threats often fall short, posing significant risks to human safety and operational success. With a comprehensive, high-tech approach that integrates advanced sensors, unmanned platforms, and artificial intelligence, GENIUS aims to deliver unmatched accuracy and reliability in threat management while reducing risks to personnel and increasing mission effectiveness.
Over the next 36 months, the GENIUS consortium will focus on developing solutions that:
- Increase detection probabilities for threats in complex and high-risk environments.
- Provide reliable and adaptable threat management systems tailored to the realities of current conflicts.
- Reduce false alarms to enhance operational confidence and efficiency.
BSC is dedicated to advancing research and driving technology and knowledge transfer through high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI). By supporting the GENIUS project, the objective is to develop innovative solutions to foster scientific progress and enhance security efforts at both national and international levels.
Following the official launch of the GENIUS project in December 2024, the consortium hosted its first workshop on January 28-29, 2025, at GMV's premises, in Madrid, Spain. During the meeting, members discussed the project’s roadmap for overcoming technical challenges, as well as its ethical and security compliance framework, marking the beginning of this ambitious and game-changing initiative.
A European Consortium
With 18 participating entities, the GENIUS project unites a diverse consortium, including one mid-cap coordinating the project, 3 large companies, 6 SMEs, 5 RTOs and 3 Academic Institutions from 7 EU Member States, fostering cross-sector collaboration
- GMV AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE SA (Coordinator), Spain
- AALBORG UNIVERSITET, Denmark
- AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE GMBH, Germany
- APPLIED INTELLIGENCE ANALYTICS LIMITED, Ireland
- AUREA AVIONICS, Spain
- BARCELONA SUPERCOMPUTING CENTER - CENTRO NACIONAL DE SUPERCOMPUTACIÓN, Spain
- C&V CONSULTING, Belgium
- EVIDEN GERMANY GMBH, Germany
- FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTE FOR APPLIED SOLID STATE PHYSICS IAF, Germany
- HCR - CTRO, Croatia
- INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE TECNICA AEROESPACIAL ESTEBAN TERRADAS, Spain
- MBDA DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, Germany
- NUMALIS, France
- ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY, Belgium
- SPACE APPLICATIONS SERVICES, Belgium
- UNIVERSITY OF THE BUNDESWEHR MUNICH, Germany
- ULM UNIVERSITY, Germany
- XENOMATIX, Belgium
A Project Selected by the European Defence Fund
The GENIUS project was selected by the European Commission for funding under the European Defence Fund (EDF) in 2024. The EDF is the Commission’s instrument for supporting research and development actions in the defence sector. Its main objectives are to foster cooperation between companies, including SMEs, and Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) throughout the Union, to promote the development of defence capabilities through investment, and to help EU companies develop advanced and interoperable defence technologies and equipment.