ATALAYA Project
CERVERA Network of Excellence in Technologies for the Detection and Protection Against Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Threats
The ATALAYA project presents a strategic, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary work program designed to generate knowledge and new technological capabilities in response to five key challenges in CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) defense.
Project information
- Start date: 01/2026.
- End date: 12/2028.
In this context, the ATALAYA network is driving a strategic, comprehensive and multidisciplinary work programme aimed at generating knowledge and developing innovative solutions to five major challenges in NRBC defence: detection, identification and monitoring (DIM); resilience and protection of infrastructure and people; decontamination and management of NRBC effects; training and knowledge management; and emergency support measures.
The network comprises five technology centres with a solid track record in R&D, close links to industry and advanced capabilities in fields such as sensors, biotechnology, robotics, artificial intelligence and communications. This alliance makes ATALAYA a strategic collaboration platform to accelerate technology transfer, strengthen innovation in dual-use technologies and address one of the major current challenges in defence and security.
Objectives
This includes acquiring new knowledge, human capital and infrastructure; developing new models, tools and forms of organisation, cooperation and dissemination; and forging alliances and collaborative structures. The fields in which this work will be carried out will be multidisciplinary, covering the entire value chain relating to security and defence against these threats.
The technical activities to be carried out under the programme have been divided into four key strategic areas:
- DIM technologies: advanced sensors for the detection, identification and monitoring of CBRN threats.
- Technologies for protection against and decontamination from CBRN agents in critical scenarios.
- Technologies for applied AI, digitalisation and automation of detection, protection and decontamination systems.
- Dissemination and technical training.
NAITEC'S role in ATALAYA
- Development of unmanned multi-sensor platforms for CBRN incidents: the combination of Electronics/ITS, AI & Data Analytics and Validation Engineering enables the integration of commercial and in-house developed sensors, with edge processing and decision-making capabilities, as well as secure operation on reconnaissance platforms (UAV/UAG).
- Development of modular CBRN protection solutions: the areas of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing provide the necessary framework to replace lead with safer, lighter multi-layer systems, and to transfer this stack to interoperable modules —panel/cassette, multi-layer tarpaulin or floor panel— with quick-release fastenings and effective sealing, designed for lightweight shelters, transit corridors, blankets/stretchers and material containment.
NAITEC leads Axis 3, whose main objective is to develop AI technologies applied to risk prediction and analysis, as well as to integrate sensors into connected, automated and vehicle-mounted systems for aerial or ground-based reconnaissance, with a view to improving the operational efficiency of detection, identification and monitoring (DIM) systems.
It also leads the activities under Axis 2 relating to the development of the multi-layer system and the configuration and assembly of modules for protection against radiological and nuclear risks.
Partners
Funding
