Laser-based counter-drone solution wins local EUDIS Hackathon round at Unmanned Valley

The startup Arqus Aerospace won the local round of the EUDIS Defence Hackathon at Unmanned Valley in Katwijk, the Netherlands, with a compact laser-based system that disables drone cameras. The solution tackles a growing defence challenge: drones that rely on visual sensors and can withstand traditional electronic warfare methods. 

The team behind Arqus consists of Stijn Lafontaine and Marnix Meersman. After working on the concept alongside their jobs, both founders left their positions earlier this year to focus on developing the technology full-time. Their work sits at the intersection of robotics, defence, and space systems, with a focus on building practical systems that can be tested and deployed.

The EUDIS Defence Hackathon, supported by the European Commission through the European Defence Fund, brings together teams across Europe to work on defence and security challenges. Participants collaborate intensively over a 48-hour period, followed by a mentorship phase designed to help teams refine and further develop their solutions. The programme connects teams at different stages with defence experts, investors and industry stakeholders, helping them advance and refine their solutions.

For the Arqus team, participation in the local EUDIS hackathon was part of a broader effort to accelerate development. “We found it on LinkedIn while looking into accelerators, grants, and programmes,” says Lafontaine. “We had already joined another defence hackathon and realised these events are valuable. You meet interesting people and get useful exposure. So when we saw EUDIS, we decided to join.”

Turning a space-based concept into a ground solution

By the time they arrived at the hackathon, the team had already moved beyond the idea stage. They were actively developing a prototype, with early hardware and a defined concept in place. Their system targets drone cameras with a laser, disabling their ability to operate. Instead of physically destroying the drone, the approach focuses on denying its sensing capability, meaning the operator or onboard system can no longer effectively control it.

While the solution was demonstrated in a counter-drone context, its origins lie in space. The concept was initially developed to protect satellites from proximity operations, where another spacecraft approaches to observe or interfere. By blinding optical sensors, such a system could prevent imaging or close-range manoeuvres without causing physical damage.

The move to drones was a deliberate step. As Lafontaine explains, the same principle can be tested more easily on Earth, allowing the team to validate the technology and build a stable company before moving into space applications. The longer-term ambition remains to adapt the system for use in orbit.

Hackathon as a testing and validation environment

“The hackathon provided us an opportunity to test the system in conditions that are difficult to replicate independently. We had done small tests before, but here we had proper infrastructure, more space, and better conditions,” Lafontaine explains. “It allowed us to conduct structured testing and demonstrate the capability more clearly.”

During the event, the team validated key assumptions and demonstrated that their system can effectively interfere with drone sensing in practice. This marked an important step in moving from a prototype towards a more mature system.

Beyond technical validation, the team highlights the value of the hackathon environment itself. “Of course, we came to win, but it’s also a collaborative environment,” he says. “You’re competing, but also learning from others and improving your own solution.” Feedback from mentors and discussions with other teams helped them refine their approach and prioritise next steps.

Next steps and opportunities ahead

Following their win at Unmanned Valley, the team entered the EUDIS mentorship phase, including a boot camp in Finland where they engaged with investors, defence professionals, and founders of scaling companies. “It was very practical,” Lafontaine says. “We had intense meetings, visited companies, and got direct advice on what to focus on and what to avoid.”

The programme will conclude with a European-level pitching competition expected to take place in mid-June. Teams that perform well may also have the opportunity to apply for a longer-term accelerator programme.

At the same time, Arqus is continuing to develop its technology towards a deployable product. The current system remains a prototype, and the team is working to improve its robustness and usability, with plans to demonstrate an updated version in the coming months. Their goal is to move towards production later this year.

Alongside product development, the company is actively seeking partners and support. The team is open to collaborations with organisations working on complementary systems or platforms. They are also raising an angel investment round, with a focus on bringing in partners who can contribute both funding and relevant experience.

Contact the Arqus team

While additional projects are in development, the current focus remains on advancing the laser-based system and preparing it for both terrestrial and future space applications.

Bringing people, ideas, sectors and technology together through hackathons

Hackathons like EUDIS show how this well-established format continues to address complex challenges across sectors. At dotSPACE Foundation, we regularly organise hackathons that bring together people, ideas and technology around topics such as climate, water, agriculture, defence, space and digital transformation. These initiatives give participants the opportunity to work hands-on with data and emerging technologies while developing practical solutions.

Beyond the fast-paced format, hackathons also create space for networking and exchange. They bring together stakeholders from academia, industry and public institutions, enabling them to connect, share perspectives and explore new ideas. This cross-sector interaction often leads to new collaborations and helps surface approaches that may not emerge in more traditional settings.

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Photo credit: Monica Stuurop