Hafenstrom Presents Status in Horizon 2020 Project “SPADE”

Hafenstrom recently presented the status of Work Package 1 (WP1) in the Horizon project “SPADE” during the review meeting held on May 30, 2024. The SPADE project, titled “Smart Precision Agriculture and Drones Ecosystem,” aims to revolutionise agriculture and forestry through the integration of advanced drone technologies and data-driven insights.

During the review meeting, Hafenstrom’s representatives provided an in-depth overview of the progress made in WP1, which focuses on creating a multi-purpose cyber-physical ecosystem for agricultural and forestry applications. This includes the development of drones that can perform various tasks, from environmental observation to governance.

The feedback from the reviewers were positive, and they commended the team for their thorough presentations and the significant progress achieved so far. The review highlighted Hafenstrom’s role in leading the development of technical requirements and risk assessments for the SPADE project. The reviewers were particularly impressed with the innovative use of drones as multi-purpose vehicles and the comprehensive approach to integrating regulatory and socio-economic considerations.

Hafenstrom’s presentation covered several key areas, including the successful submission of Deliverable D1.1, which details the stock-taking of drone innovations and technical requirements. This deliverable sets the foundation for subsequent tasks, ensuring that the project adheres to relevant standards and addresses potential regulatory gaps. The company also outlined the ongoing efforts in risk mitigation and assessment, standardisation, and the integration of horizontal components such as gender mainstreaming.

Hafenstrom is particularly focused on ensuring that the project’s outcomes are inclusive and beneficial for all stakeholders. This includes integrating gender perspectives into the project’s framework to ensure that the developed solutions are equitable and accessible, which is also reflected in the work package content. We are also committed to continuous engagement with standardisation bodies to ensure that the technologies developed are aligned with global standards and best practices.

The SPADE project spans multiple disciplines and involves numerous stakeholders, including universities, research institutions, and industry partners. The collaborative nature of the project is designed to foster innovation and ensure that the developed solutions are practical and scalable. Hafenstrom’s contributions are critical in ensuring that the project’s outcomes align with market needs and regulatory frameworks, thereby enhancing the potential for successful implementation.

The review meeting concluded with a sense of accomplishment and optimism. The initial feedback suggests that the reviewers are satisfied with the progress and developments within the project. Hafenstrom looks forward to continuing its work in the SPADE project and is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. The company is hopeful that the project will receive the necessary approvals and funding to proceed to the next phases, where even more innovative and impactful results can be achieved.

Hafenstrom extends its gratitude to the project coordinator, reviewers, and all partners for their excellent collaboration and the exciting results achieved thus far. The positive feedback received during the review meeting is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved. The company is eager to receive the formal report from the reviewers, expected within the next three weeks, and is optimistic about the continued progress and future developments in the SPADE project.


The SPADE project addresses several crucial areas, including the improvement of agricultural productivity, sustainability, and environmental monitoring. By leveraging advanced drone technologies, the project aims to create an ecosystem that supports precise and efficient agricultural practices, thereby contributing to the broader goals of the EU’s Green Deal and the Farm to Fork strategy.