The challenge aims to identify solutions capable of integrating tracking data from disparate data sources in real time. 

The US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) launched its Blue Object Management Challenge on 14 August to track and manage friendly battlefield assets. 

Central to the challenge is a need for solutions that are capable of fusing multimodal data sources — radio frequency, acoustic, visual, cyber, and manual inputs — into a unified operational picture.  

The DIU details problems with the existing infrastructure, such as lag times as a result of human error, poor integration between disparate data sources, variations in standards, and siloing.  

“These limitations hamper the DoD’s [Department of Defense’s] ability to rapidly generate insights, model scenarios, and deploy AI-augmented decision-making to operational commands”, they state. 

Solutions to this may include “metadata tagging, semantic search, and dynamic generation of modular data objects”. They need to be compatible with DoD simulation environments such as the Joint Theater Level Simulation or the Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulation, Joint Multi-Resolution Model or Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulation. 

The DIU says that “solutions should support real-time processing, human-machine teaming”, to promote real-time integration with an emphasis on interoperable data. 

Aside from this, the DIU states its preference for solutions with a clear route to market in both the defence and commercial sectors. 

The competition closes for applications on 5 September. After which, up to 10 companies will win a share of USD500,000. 

Non-financial benefits include mentorship by DoD officials and partners during a 12-week accelerator programme, where the solutions will be put to the test. This includes a series of in-person events, including at San Francisco Tech Week in California and two demonstrations in Hawaii. 

Successful companies will also be given exposure to what the DIU calls “a robust network of private investors and commercial partners”. 

The DIU is particularly interested in applications by small businesses and those companies which are new to defence with ready-to-go prototypes. 

Eligibility is conditional upon being registered on the DoD’s SAM.gov platform. 

Following down-selection stages, the DIU will announce competition finalists on 22 September, followed by the accelerator, before the programme concludes in early December.