January 2024 will see the launch of the new START Living Lab project, which builds on the results of the successful Interreg V IT-AT project Smart Test of Alpine Rescue Technology (START). The aim is to develop and test semi-autonomous drones for use in extreme alpine environments – to help people in mountain emergencies faster, safer and more efficiently. The particular focus is on reducing the treatment-free interval and increasing safety for emergency services in rough terrain.

The project takes a strongly user-centric approach: mountain rescue services from across the Alpine region – including the Carinthian Red Cross, Mountain Rescue Tyrol, SOCCORSO ALPINO and others – contributed their requirements during the preparatory phase. Together with technology companies and research partners, innovative solutions are now being developed, tested and continuously improved. A special feature: this process is being bundled in a cross-border ‘living lab’ that enables close cooperation between emergency services, SMEs and science.

The consortium partners also include the SIENA (Spatial Informatics for ENvironmental Applications) research group at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences. With over ten years of experience in applied drone research, SIENA contributes crucial expertise – from the development of digital work processes to spatial-temporal analysis and risk assessment.

In the Living Lab, ConOps (Concepts of Operations) are developed jointly, collaborative technologies are tested and new applications are tested under real conditions. In the long term, the project will not only contribute to improving alpine rescue, but also lay the foundation for the safe use of drones in populated alpine areas.

Drones are more than just technology – they are key to sustainable mobility, climate protection and the implementation of the EU Drone Strategy 2.0. START Living Lab shows how innovation arises when users, researchers and industry work together towards a common goal: greater safety in the mountains – for everyone.