The software company Runiqo is pleased to share the news that it has once again secured crucial development funding to help deliver drone software for, among others, the defense sector.
Runiqo has just been awarded a grant of DKK 620,000 from Odense Robotics and the APUS Program for a project worth DKK 1.7 million. The funding comes at a crucial time for the company, which is on the brink of a breakthrough in another highly promising business area. Until now, Runiqo has served clients solely in environmental monitoring, where it has been operational since 2022. In the near future, the company is also set to present its system to the defense sector.
The military could use Runiqo’s services for communication between drones, combat units, and other surveillance and operational tasks.
In autumn 2024, the company received funding for a DKK 1.4 million project to further develop its software solution. Additionally, Runiqo has expanded its ownership and strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of CEO Morten K. Funder-Schmidt, who is leading the company toward further commercial success.
The new funding will allow Runiqo to expand its staff and accelerate development efforts.
CEO Morten Funder-Schmidt says:
“This grant means we can pick up the pace even more, so we can develop our integrations with input from multiple drones.
Speed is absolutely critical for us. It’s all about time to market. As a subcontractor to drone manufacturers and other decision-makers, we need to work fast to keep up. This funding allows us to hire more operational staff. The ink is still wet on a contract with another senior developer – and more are on the way. So the money creates jobs and also helps us strengthen our capacity to fulfill a highly important defense role.
Our continued development is about our ability to ensure vital monitoring of, for example, Denmark’s maritime borders. For me, it’s a no-brainer: if we can, for example, detect a Chinese vessel moving in a suspicious pattern through the Baltic Sea, it adds tremendous value that our system can track it all the way from St. Petersburg to the North Sea – without having to send a frigate in pursuit. That saves enormous resources.”
Bo Thorsen, CTO of Runiqo, adds:
“I’m really pleased that we’ve received funding so we can get more development resources. That’s absolutely crucial for us because we’re busy further developing the system to integrate with many more types of drones.
Today, we have integrations with Blue Atlas Robotics’ underwater drone, Nordic Wings’ ASTERO drone, and other long-range drones flying maritime surveillance in the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and Strait of Gibraltar – but we’re not stopping there. We’re also working on integrating AI, which adds an extra intelligent layer to our system, as well as integration with satellites and radars.”
About Runiqo’s Software
In addition to detecting maritime pollution – such as large oil spills – drone surveillance will increasingly cover more tasks within the defense and emergency services sectors in the future. This is where Runiqo’s software aims to stand out.
In short, the software enables companies – or authorities – to focus on their core competencies: flying drones or operating robots. In doing so, they can eliminate a significant amount of software development work related to formatting, integration, and transmission of large volumes of sensor data delivered to decision-makers in real time.
Today, Runiqo’s solution is used by drone operators conducting environmental monitoring for EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency). EMSA is the European maritime safety agency that provides technical expertise and operational support to improve maritime safety, including the prevention and response to pollution.
Abot the APUS Program
The APUS Program (Acceleration Program for Unmanned Systems) aims to strengthen Denmark’s position in the field of unmanned systems, with a particular focus on dual-use technologies and critical infrastructure. The program targets SMEs with potential in unmanned solutions, helping them to develop, internationalize, and mature for entry into new markets. There is a special emphasis on dual-use technology and solutions aimed at the defense and security industry, particularly in relation to international hotspots such as Ukraine.
APUS addresses the urgent need for innovation and adaptability within the defense and security sectors, as well as the ability to respond to global challenges such as climate disasters and the war in Ukraine. Through customized acceleration programs, APUS supports the Danish Business Authority’s strategy by promoting growth, innovation, and internationalization in the SME sector.
For further inquiries:
CEO, Morten K. Funder-Schmidt, Mobil: 22 27 88 38, Mail: morten@runiqo.com
CTO, Bo Thorsen, Mobil: 28 56 86 54, Mail: bo@runiqo.com
Web: www.runiqo.com
Odense Robotics is co-financed by the Danish Board of Business Development, and the European Union, along with a broad range of projects and partnerships.
