European horizons: Tekever’s aerial innovations at work

In this exclusive interview with the CEO of Tekever, Ricardo Mendes, we dive into the remarkable journey of a European SME on the cutting-edge of aerial intelligence, innovation and adaptability.

Founded in 2001 with a vision to connect devices through advanced software, Tekever soon pivoted to drones – or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) - recognising their transformative potential in data collection and analysis. 

The conversation also explores Tekever’s relationship with European initiatives and institutions, highlighting the critical role of EU support in fostering innovation in defence and security. Ricardo Mendes talks about the importance of modernising procurement processes to maximise the benefits of EU funding, and explains how standardised regulations have helped Tekever to thrive across Europe. 

Please tell us about TEKEVER’s journey and evolution.  What were some of the significant milestones and early challenges?

TEKEVER was founded in 2001, with a focus on developing software to interconnect various devices. We believed that eventually everything would be interconnected and that AI-driven insights would be used to process, learn and determine action from an infinite pool of data. As a result of this, we coined the term the “evernet” to describe this interconnected future and thus, our name TEKEVER emerged after this motto, “Technologies for the Evernet.” 

Initially, we focused on developing software to link as many devices as possible. But by 2009, we recognised a major opportunity in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), capable of gathering data from vast, remote areas. At the time, the UAS market was primarily dominated by defence companies, focusing on hardware, and we believed software and AI were the key to unlocking its true potential, which led us to developing our own hardware and software for these systems. Today, we are a vertically integrated company with full control over every aspect of the value chain including aeronautical design, manufacturing and software development.

Alongside our UAS operations, we also invested in satellite technology, which has enabled us to evolve further. By integrating UAS and satellite capabilities, we now offer a comprehensive approach to aerial intelligence, combining terrestrial and space-based data.

Could you elaborate on the concept of TEKEVER’s "Intelligence as a Service" model? How did TEKEVER’s software-first approach and focus on data and AI set it apart from more traditional players in the industry?

At TEKEVER, our UAS include multiple different types of sensors which allows us to collect vast amounts of data across extensive and remote areas. We use AI to make sense of all this data and provide customers with “Intelligence-as-a-Service” – essentially real-time, actionable insights that empower customers to respond to threats quickly. For example, we monitor the English Channel for threats like human trafficking and drug smuggling, enabling the Home Office to save lives and protect the economy.

Our software-first approach allows us to constantly be on the pulse of development in line with evolving societal needs. With development cycles taking weeks not years, we ensure our customers receive the latest innovations.

How does TEKEVER balance the varied requirements and procurement processes of both civilian and military clients?

At TEKEVER, we employ a modular and interchangeable design that allows us to customise components based on the customer needs, while maintaining a consistent operational framework. Our framework/base stacks remain the same, but sensors, computer power and planes are tailored to meet the unique demands of each customer. For instance, in maritime cases, humidity, wind and other environmental factors will affect the system offered. In addition, by integrating advanced technologies such as AI/ML, we ensure our systems adapt to evolving demands for different customers and offer solutions that are innovative and practical.

What are the challenges associated with ensuring data security, especially in sensitive regions such as Ukraine?

In Ukraine, it’s public knowledge that our drones and Intelligence-as-a-Service platform ATLAS are deployed for long-range surveillance and reconnaissance. However, while we manage the data, we don’t have access to live data from the active mission areas by design to ensure security.

How have partnerships and collaborations across Europe contributed to TEKEVER’s growth?

Our partnerships and collaborations endorse our technology and reinforce our position as a trusted provider for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services for civilian and military agencies globally. For instance, our cutting-edge Inter-Satellite Link technology is instrumental in the HERA mission currently underway, solidifying our leadership in space exploration. Similarly, the deployment of our state-of-the-art UAS in Europe to enhance coastal surveillance and combat economic and environmental crimes underscores our crucial role in maritime security.

In your view, what impact does the European Union's support for research and innovation have on fostering growth in the security and defence sector, and has TEKEVER benefited from these initiatives?

The EU’s support for research and innovation has provided critical funding that enables technology advancement in the security and defence sector, including areas TEKEVER is actively involved in. However, while this funding is crucial, it is only one part of the equation. For the sector to fully benefit, modernisation in defence procurement is essential. Currently, slow bureaucratic processes hinder the development and adoption of new technologies. Streamlining these processes would help ensure our defence capabilities remain effective against rapidly evolving threats. 

How has the EU's regulatory framework influenced TEKEVER’s operations and growth, particularly in areas like drone technology and data protection?

The EU's regulatory framework has influenced TEKEVER’s operations and growth significantly, especially in drone technology and data protection. By establishing standardised regulations across member states, the EU has facilitated cross-border operations, allowing TEKEVER to navigate and secure flight permissions more efficiently within the EU. This uniformity has reduced operational barriers, promoting smoother integration of RPAS in various regions. Additionally, strict data protection regulations, such as GDPR, have driven TEKEVER to implement robust data handling and privacy practices, enhancing trust and compliance in our technological operations.