Israeli startup's anti-UAV platform claims first place at European autonomous tech conference
Defense-tech startup Althimis nabbed first place in the startup competition at XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 for its solution combining AI with operational experience and learning for predicting, planning, and defending against UAV threats.
Israeli defense-tech startup Althimis has won first place in the startup competition at XPONENTIAL Europe 2026, a prominent event in Europe for unmanned systems and robotics.
This year’s event focused on security and defense, with a panel of judges, including investors and industry experts, awarding Althimis for its technology: a solution combining artificial intelligence with operational experience and learning for predicting, planning, and defending against UAV threats.
"This win underscores what our global partners already understand: where operational superiority is required to save lives and protect critical infrastructure, the combination of operational experience and cutting-edge technology is an indispensable product,” said Althimis CEO Oded Napchi.
“We are focused on addressing the real threats currently reshaping the Middle East and Europe- threats that are only expected to intensify and spread."
The company’s Althimis AI Chaos Engine (A²CE) allows security forces to improve their defense readiness against hostile UAVs by simulating extreme cases and unpredictable threat scenarios. This enables forces to anticipate UAV threats in a realistic and constantly changing environment.
Althimis lists part of its strategy as bridging field experience with advanced technology, embedding operational expertise into its software.
The win comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East and amid rising UAV threats, including drone swarm attacks on strategic targets in the Gulf.
It further follows the company’s recent addition of two former senior IDF officers to its leadership team: Maj. Gen. (Res.) Avi Mizrachi, former Commander of the Ground Forces and Central Command, serving as Head of Security and Board Member, and Brig. Gen. (Res.) Zvika Haimovich, former Commander of the Air Defense Array, leading the counter-drone domain.
