TalTech’s Development Project of the Year was awarded to “C2GRID - AI-Based 3D Situational Awareness and Decision Support Platform", which helps enhance both Estonia’s and Europe’s defence capabilities. The project, developed by the team of Professor Vladimir Kuts, offers a solution that converts battlefield video into near real-time 3D models. This enables units to make faster and better-informed decisions, as well as to plan their activities more effectively. According to the jury, the project has strong impact potential, addresses current market and security needs, and is also applicable in the civilian sector.

The second prize was awarded to the development project “SmartAGRO – Portable Laboratory-Grade Soil Nutrient Analysis Platform for Precision Agriculture.” This solution enables farmers to assess soil “health indicators” on-site and receive precise fertilization recommendations. Developed under the leadership of Junior Professor Jekaterina Mazina-Šinkar from TalTech’s Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, the platform is a portable laboratory solution that allows users to conduct nutrient analysis, determine soil pH levels, and calculate precise fertilizer requirements directly in the field — effectively performing laboratory-quality analyses on-site. According to the jury, this project is an ideal example of how university research can evolve into a successful product.

The third prize went to the development project “Development of Risk- and Condition-Based Asset Management Principles.” According to the jury, it is a strong example of TalTech’s classical and impactful collaboration with the energy sector, offering several significant benefits. Led by Professor Jako Kilter from the Institute of Electrical Power Engineering and Mechatronics, the project provides optimized modernization of critical electrical infrastructure. Its benefits include substantial cost savings as well as improved security of supply.