Monava: Define Accelerator alumni share their growth journey

Define Accelerator gave Monava, an acoustic drone detection solution, the strategic boost it needed. The program delivered investor attention, customer demonstrations, and defence sales expertise tailored to defence tech startups’ unique challenges. The connections were so valuable that Monava is now considering a Finnish subsidiary to leverage its new network as it prepares for its 2025 product launch.

Monava: Acoustic drone detection solutions

Drones pose increasing security risks through unauthorized airspace access. While camera and radar surveillance dominate the market, these technologies have significant limitations: they emit detectable signals, require line-of-sight, and struggle with stealth drones. Monava addresses these challenges through advanced acoustic detection technology, focusing on the fact that all drones generate sound signatures that can be reliably identified and located.

From snow tracking to drone detection

Monava evolved from research on acoustic data analysis for snow avalanche detection. Our sensor technology successfully located and classified avalanche vibrations, creating effective early-warning systems deployed throughout the Nordic region. When the Ukraine conflict began – with drones playing a central role – we recognized our technology’s potential for drone detection and pivoted to address this critical security need.

Despite significant development in drone detection sensors since the war began, the acoustic detection space remains underexplored, particularly for ease-of-use solutions. Locating and classifying unmanned aerial systems with a single sensor represent a market gap that we are uniquely positioned to fill.

All-weather detection solution

Our acoustic sensor system delivers comprehensive drone detection capabilities for the security and defence market. Key advantages include precise 3D positioning (x,y,z coordinates) of sound sources, accurate drone type identification and classification, completely passive operation with no signal emissions, all-weather performance regardless of conditions, no line-of-sight requirements, and detection of all drone types, including stealth models.

Our patented technology extracts more detailed acoustic information than any competitor, at a fraction of the cost. We prioritize ease of installation and reliable operation in any environment—from noisy highways to quiet urban settings.

€10B market with 30% annual growth

The global counter-drone solutions market exceeds €10B with 30% annual growth. Our target segments include air traffic management, critical infrastructure protection, public event security, armed forces and defence.

We’ve validated our solution through partnerships testing with airports, prisons, and embassies in the civil sector, alongside paid projects with defence contractors. We are now preparing for defence tests with several MoDs outside Sweden. Customer inquiries continue to outpace our current capacity and we have a huge need for team expansion.

Define Accelerator: Opening doors in defence tech industry

The Define accelerator program has been key in addressing the unique challenges faced by defence tech startups. The program helped us define our traction to potential investors, connect with customers for long-term partnerships and pilot projects, and develop effective sales strategies for defence forces.

During this three-month program, we’ve gained significant attention from investors and potential customers, with multiple demonstrations scheduled across Finland. These interactions have informed our product development for a better market alignment. Based on the customer network built through Define, we’re now considering establishing a Finnish subsidiary to accelerate our growth.

Leading the acoustic’s new school

Acoustic surveillance has a century-long history in defence but was overshadowed by radar during World War II. Now, with AI advancements, acoustic monitoring is experiencing a renaissance with a potential to outperform many standardized defence solutions.

While our technology has diverse applications – including missile and gunfire detection – we’re currently focused on launching our drone detection product in mid-Q2 2025. Customer demand for extended range and additional features is growing, and we have a strategic roadmap to meet these needs as we scale globally.

Growth through partnership

After two years of R&D in acoustic drone detection, we’re ready to accelerate our growth. We seek both investment partners and talented team members to help us capitalize on this rapidly evolving market. The need for our solution is urgent, and Monava is positioned to lead the acoustic technology revolution in drone detection.

Contact the company at alexander.hebbe@monava.io or visit monava.io to learn more about their solutions.