DROPPI – Bold Drone Experiments in Northern Ostrobothnia (Rohkeat droonikokeilut Pohjois-Pohjanmaalla) / EAKR

Northern Ostrobothnia is committed to accelerating the national carbon neutrality target and has developed dedicated climate roadmap which provide guidelines for the development of the operating environment so that developer organisations in the sector can allocate their available resources correctly.

By developing the operating environment, taking into account the environmental, economic, social and cultural impacts as well as high-level RDI support, mitigating climate change is both possible and possibility.

The aim of the DROPPI project (1.5.2022 – 31.12.2023) is to find new business opportunities in the Northern Ostrobothnia region by researching and utilising the use of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or drones) in new products and services that support green transition, building a carbon-neutral and ecologically sustainable society and sustainable competitiveness in both the private and public sectors.

Through bold experiments, the project seeks applications and solutions in which unmanned aircraft can be used to decrease emissions and increase energy efficiency in various areas. These areas are at the heart of the Northern Ostrobothnia Climate Roadmap:

1) a smart bio- and circular economy,
2) sustainable, efficient and low-emission energy production,
3) low-emission transport,
4) agriculture as a carbon sink,
5) climate-wise and circular land use,
6) forests and swamps as carbon sinks and
7) cross-sectoral cooperation and operating models that create vitality and business opportunities.

From the perspective of the project actors, the project will improve the participants’ skills and develop innovations based on the strengths found in the region. For example, the matching of technological and environmental know-how, the strengthening of SMEs’ innovation activities and the skills of the rural economy (agriculture and forestry) will be implemented through cross-sectoral bold experiments. The bold experiments of the project will be carried out thematically in accordance with the top themes of the climate roadmap. This will be ensured by inviting the most important actors who have participated in the preparation of the Northern Ostrobothnia Climate Road Map to be experts in the project.

The results of the project will include a public report on the situation in Northern Ostrobothnia, a website, five courageous and rapid experiments in the Northern Ostrobothnia region utilising drone technologies, and new product and service concepts utilising UAVs.

DROPPI is coordinated by the Oulu University of Applied Sciences / Arctic Drone Labs and it is conducted in co-operation with the Oulu University / Biomimetics and Intelligent Systems Group (BISG).

DROPPI VED is partially funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Council of Oulu Region.