Latvia’s Origin wins €4.5M grant to develop man-portable UAV with target laser designation capability

Latvia-based Origin, a defence tech startup specialising in making reusable, autonomous drones, has secured €4.5M grant from the European Defence Fund (EDF).

Origin will develop a portable ISTAR drone (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance) with laser target designation.

The project, in collaboration with Lithuania’s Aktyvus Photonics and Germany’s Leosys Laser and Electro-Optic Systems, is supported by the European Commission and the defence ministries of Latvia, Lithuania, and Germany. 

The focus will be on reducing the size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP) of the laser designator, camera, gimbal, and drone.

MPortISTAR, a man-portable UAV

The MPortISTAR project aims to develop a mini UAV (under 15 kg) that integrates a laser target designator compatible with NATO munitions.

The project focuses on cost-effectiveness, aiming to reduce costs by 80 per cent, and reducing the need for forward-deployed troops, thus lowering the risk of casualties. It is part of the EU’s push for greater technological independence.

Agris Kipurs, co-founder of Origin, says, “The European defence landscape increasingly relies on adaptable, affordable technologies that enhance operational capabilities. At Origin, we are encouraged that the European Defence Fund recognises the necessity of strengthening the defensive capacities of small and mid-sized nations in a cost-effective way.”

“Our MPortISTAR project directly addresses this need, ensuring that countries like Latvia can meet modern security challenges more effectively.”

Origin’s flagship product, The Beak, is a versatile ISR drone with precision strike capabilities and has gained attention in the defence sector. With the MPortISTAR project, Origin aims to expand its product offerings to meet the evolving demands of modern defence operations.

Brief about Origin

Origin Robotics, founded in 2022 by Agris Kipurs and Ilja Nevdah, specialises in autonomous systems, focusing on airborne precision-guided weapons. Its flagship product, The Beak, is a versatile ISR system with precision strike capabilities, designed for portability and reusability. 

The company has raised €8.5M in funding, including equity investments from Change Ventures and Silicon Roundabout Ventures, along with €1.7M in EU grants.

Last month, in October 2024, Origin raised €4M in pre-seed funding. The round included €2.4M in venture capital led by Change Ventures, with support from Silicon Roundabout Ventures, and €1.6M in EU grants and backing from the Latvian Ministry of Defence.