Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation in the MARLIN Challenge is conducted in stages. The decisive factors are not only the originality of an idea, but also its technical suitability, feasibility, and performance in subsequent practical testing.

As well Brief Concept (Stage 1) as Solution Concept of the finalists are first checked for compliance with the minimum formal and content requirements.

The Brief Concept must address at least the following aspects:

Technical Solution Approach
Innovative content and disruptive potential
Operational relevance
Feasibility
Presentation of the project team

For details, please refer to Section 5, Table 1, No. 6 of the Tender Specification (Document 02).

The Solution Concept must include at least the following components:

Prototype (hardware/software)
Accompanying documentation and materials:
Technical documentation
Presentation materials

Additional materials that illustrate how the prototype works are optional.

Concepts that meet the minimum formal and content requirements are then evaluated qualitatively in a second step.

The following qualitative evaluation criteria will be used to evaluate the Brief Concepts and Solution Concepts:

Degree of innovation (40%): The evaluation assesses the extent to which the solution introduces new methodological approaches, technologies, or operating principles that go beyond the state of the art, create practical options for action for the first time, or significantly surpass existing paradigms. Both the originality of the approach and the degree to which it opens up new avenues of thought or action in the field of electronic effects are evaluated.

Operational Added Value (30%): The benefit—and here, above all, the military added value—is measured by how concretely and effectively the solution contributes to ensuring the operational readiness of our own unmanned systems. The decisive factor is the extent to which it offers a measurable advantage in realistic operational scenarios and whether it is user-friendly enough that soldiers can rely on it even under high pressure and acute stress. If this is not yet the case in Phase 1, an assessment is made as to whether a plausible plan for improvement by Phase 2 exists or whether other factors could contribute to significant military benefit in the future.

Feasibility (20%): Here, we assess whether the solution is technically feasible within the challenge timeframe. We evaluate the current state of development, the technology readiness level (TRL), a clear implementation plan, and a realistic assessment of technical risks. The goal is to develop a functional prototype or test setup (TRL 6).

Team & Expertise (10%): Do you have what it takes to see the project through to victory? Here, we assess whether the team possesses the necessary expertise, experience, and structure to successfully bring the idea to fruition. This includes both technical and scientific capabilities as well as the organization and resources to reliably manage the schedule, development, and communication.

The formal review is carried out by the contracting authority. The technical evaluation of the Brief Concepts and Solution Concepts is carried out by the competent expert panels. The Solution Concepts are also evaluated by a jury, based on the test results.

Challenge Organizers & Partners