North Friesland Blog Information on current topics

Good news from the true north: The WIR! alliance UAM-InnoRegion-SH has successfully passed the decisive interim evaluation. The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and the project management organization Jülich have rated our activities to date as fully convincing and have thus given the green light for an ambitious continuation of the alliance’s work.

WIR! – Change through innovation in the region

The UAM-InnoRegion-SH project is supported as part of the WIR! funding guideline of the Federal Ministry. The aim of the program is to strengthen structurally weak regions through sustainable innovation approaches. This is exactly where our alliance comes in: We use innovative drone technology to develop solutions for real challenges in rural areas – from medical care and coastal protection to new forms of mobility.

13.85 million euros – a strong signal for the region

The successful evaluation is accompanied by a significant increase in funding: 13.85 million euros are now available for the entire period from 2021 to 2028 – an additional 5.6 million euros for research and development in the innovative field of drone technology in northern Schleswig-Holstein. This investment not only strengthens the innovative power, but also the economic future viability of North Frisia and the surrounding regions.

11 new project ideas – innovation boost for the second funding period

The ideas for the second implementation phase are already there: 11 new project outlines were submitted last year and are currently being evaluated by the advisory board. The decision on funding will be made in the fall of 2025, and it is already clear that interest in helping to shape our “Drone Region Schleswig-Holstein” remains high.

Coordinated by the Nordfriesland Economic Development Agency

Wirtschaftsförderung Nordfriesland is coordinating the overall project and ensuring close networking between the alliance members. It is also providing scientific support for the project through the independent “Acceptance research” project, which is developing specific communication strategies to increase openness to civilian drone technologies in society.

Leck airfield as a future location

Another focus is on the establishment of a drone competence center on the site of the former NATO airfield in Leck. A central location for test flights, research, training and company relocations is to be created here – a strong impetus for the economic development of the region.

Find out more?
All information about the project, partners and planned events can be found at:
👉 www.uam-innoregion-sh.de