EKA BIP: Rapid Defence Tech Design Sprint. Pilt: Eva Procházková
In response to evolving security challenges in Europe, the Product Design Department of EKA hosted an international design sprint, Rapid Defence Tech Design Sprint, from March 24–28 as part of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP). The sprint brought together students to rapidly develop practical, scalable solutions for both defence and civil protection contexts.
A total of 22 students—including four from EKA and 18 from eight European universities—worked in international teams to address real-world problems. The programme combined fast-paced ideation, critical analysis of existing solutions, and hands-on prototyping, with a strong emphasis on simplicity, usability, and manufacturability.
Our key goal with this sprint was to expand the participants’ understanding of defence beyond combat technologies. While drones and military systems are often the focus, participants explored equally vital areas such as civil defence, emergency response, and human-centered safety solutions.
One team worked on a challenge presented by a student from Kharkiv, addressing a pressing everyday need in crisis conditions. The team developed a compact emergency kit based on the concept of a fire blanket—designed to provide warmth, reduce anxiety, and function as temporary shelter. The kit also integrates essential tools, including a knife and equipment for quickly assembling a tent.
Other teams focused on improving existing technologies. A Czech–Slovak group designed a clip attachment for drones that allows widely used ammunition boxes to function as transport containers. Meanwhile, a Latvian–Slovenian team created an ergonomic neck support for drone operators, addressing the strain caused by prolonged work in constrained positions.
The sprint was led by EKA Head of Product Design and visiting professor Björn Koop, alongside product manager and industrial designer Mihkel Güsson, who brings extensive experience in defence-sector product development and market implementation.
Throughout the week, students engaged with experts and participated in thematic talks and discussions. Siim Saat from the Estonian Defence Forces’ Force Transformation Command highlighted how innovation has historically shaped the outcomes of major conflicts, emphasizing its continued importance today.
Students also shared personal experiences from their own experience as mandatory conscripts serving in the Estonian Defence Forces, offering insights into the structure and functioning of defence units. Discussions highlighted how lessons from the war in Ukraine are already influencing current defence practices.
The hands-on nature of the sprint allowed participants to experiment with diverse prototyping methods and materials, including wood, 3D printing, and textiles. Beyond technical skills, the programme provided valuable experience in international collaboration, strengthening communication and teamwork in high-pressure environments.
Ultimately, the sprint demonstrated the critical role of design in addressing complex, real-world challenges. By combining speed, creativity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, students explored how design can contribute to both defence effectiveness and civilian safety in times of crisis.
Hosting university:
— Estonian Academy of Arts
Participating universities:
— Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague (UMPRUM), Czech Republic
— Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic
— Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava, Slovak Republic
— University of Primorska (T4EU), Slovenia
— Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts, Ukraine
— LUCA School of Arts, Belgium
— Art Academy of Latvia, Latvia
Photos: Eva Procházková
