Open Call for Collaboration: Hyperspectral Imaging & AI for Geotechnical Soil Investigation
Imec is looking for a company to participate in an experimental study using UAV-based hyperspectral imaging and AI for advanced geotechnical soil investigation. This research seeks to explore novel methods for landscape analysis and subsurface detection with remote sensing technologies. This open call supports the citcom.ai TEF mission of accelerating the uptake of trustworthy AI technologies by startups and SMEs and leverages imec’s previously defined TEF services. Selected startups and SMEs from EU member states will receive state aid support in the form of discounts on the market price of validation services. Such discounts will vary based on the type and complexity of the service and relative demand for each offer.
What we are researching
Through imec’s cutting-edge hyperspectral imaging sensors and UAV-based remote sensing capabilities, this experiment aims to explore two key research questions:
Soil Typing and Landscape History
Can we identify and classify different sediment types—such as colluvial soils, lithostratigraphic variation, or water-saturated zones—for comparison with historical landscape data (e.g. presence of marshes or hills)?
Detection of Subsurface Disturbances
Can we detect zones with a high probability of containing organic remains (e.g. mass graves, bones, humic material) using hyperspectral imaging and AI?
The practicalities
Eligibility criteria
- The company must be established in Europe or have a legal entity within the European Union, as citcom.ai aims to stimulate AI innovation within the European Union.
- As citcom.ai focuses on SMEs and startups, the entity of the company specialized in soil monitoring or geotechnical engineering must have less than 75 FTEs.
- The company must have the following experience:
- The company must be active for at least 25 years in soil monitoring or geotechnical engineering.
- The company must have at least 3 years of experience in terrestrial electromagnetic induction (EMI) measurements and have at least one device to conduct these measurements.
- At least one employee of the company must be a certified drone pilot and have experience with at least one data acquisition campaign through UAV.
- The company must have conducted at least one research project on geotechnical engineering and archeological prospects before with a Belgian university in the last 10 years.
- The company must ensure access to a study area with the following characteristics:
- Preferably located in Belgium. For other locations within Europe a travel expense reimbursement of €1,500 per day is required.
- The area is situated within an open landscape in an agricultural context and contains vegetation.
- The area shows traces of modern conflict archaeology, and remains of military activities from recent history (between 1800 and 1850).
- Preliminary investigations have already been carried out in the study area, including geophysical surveys using, among other methods, electromagnetic induction (EMI). These results must be used as test plots for further archaeological evaluation or methodological development.
- Within the landscape all anthropogenic interventions have been clearly mapped and documented, such as earthworks, excavations, and other human disturbances.
- The site is located within an archaeological zone protected by a heritage agency, indicating a valuable level of archaeological preservation according to current regulations.
Participating companies will be responsible for:
- Conducting two UAV-based measurement campaigns on the selected study area.
- Managing and administering drone flights, including handling permissions.
- Conducting terrestrial electromagnetic induction (EMI) measurements.
- Share data with imec for correlation analysis.
Timeline
Start of field activities: Summer 2025
Results delivered and published: Spring 2026
Evaluation
Candidates will be evaluated by the Belgian TEF partners and scored on their technological maturity, research experience, test area and potential impact on the innovation ecosystem. The candidate with the highest score will be invited to participate in the experiment.
Interested companies must submit their application before the 31st of July 2025 to: laure.decock@imec.be
Your submission should be a PDF (max. 10 pages) and must include:
- Company profile and contact details
- Relevant expertise and project references
- Overview of available equipment (e.g., UAVs, EMI tools)
- Statement of motivation and added value
- Confirmation of availability for campaign dates
- Description of the proposed study area
- Details on permits and certifications (especially for drone operators)
- Short description of proposed approach or workplan
- Optional: letters of support or references
- Any other material demonstrating your suitability for this experiment
- Signed De Minimis declaration regarding state aid.
We look forward to engaging with a forward-thinking partner to push the boundaries of AI-driven soil analysis.