Following our successful entry into the border security sector in 2023, Martel continues to strengthen its strategic position and expand its project portfolio. With our first project in this domain, BAG-INTEL, approaching its successful conclusion in August 2026, Martel’s footprint is rapidly growing with the recent launch of CustomAI and the upcoming kickoff of BorderAI in the fall of 2026.
From BAG-INTEL to CustomAI: A Proven Track Record
In 2023, Martel entered the border management domain through BAG-INTEL, a 36-month Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action dedicated to developing robust AI-based tools for baggage customs control at international airports. Over its lifecycle, the project has pioneered AI-powered contraband detection, risk assessment fusion, and innovative digital twin visualizations.
Building on this solid foundation, Martel kicked off its second major initiative in the domain, CustomAI, in November 2025. Mirroring our highly successful setup in BAG-INTEL, Martel has taken on the dual responsibility of supporting the project management office (PMO) and leading the Impact Creation work package.
Showcasing Innovation at the 2026 Projects to Policy Seminar
Demonstrating our continuous engagement at the highest European policy levels, CustomAI Project Coordinator Henrik Larsen and Martel’s Klaudia dos Santos (Impact Creation Lead) recently represented the project at the annual Projects to Policy Seminar. Organized by the European Research Executive Agency (REA) and the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME), the exclusive, in-person event took place on June 10-11, 2026 in Brussels.
The seminar served as a vital platform for aligning newly launched security research with concrete EU policy needs. During the event, we engaged in high-level policy roundtables and specialized thematic breakout sessions:
- Day 1 (Thematic Focus): CustomAI participated actively within the Border Management (BM) cluster, exchanging insights with seven other parallel projects in the sector.
- Day 2 (Cross-Thematic Collaboration): CustomAI joined a group discussion to foster cross-cutting synergies with projects spanning resilient infrastructure, fighting crime, and disaster-resilient societies.
The event culminated in an opportunity to present CustomAI’s objectives to EU policymakers and experts from key EU agencies. The project slide deck was complemented by the recently created CustomAI animated explainer video, which was fully produced in-house by Martel’s Creative Lead, Galileo Disperati.
The quickest introduction to what CustomAI is all about, this video allows viewers to discover the mission of the project, bringing together a multidisciplinary consortium of experts to develop an AI-driven toolkit designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of customs operations.
The video and project presentation delivered by the Project Coordinator generated substantial interest among the attendees, paving the way for future operational cooperation and ensuring the projects’ innovative outputs are effectively aligned with European policy needs.
Looking Ahead: Securing the Future with BorderAI
Martel’s momentum in the border management space shows no signs of slowing down. We are thrilled to announce that a third project—BorderAI—has been secured and is scheduled to officially kick off this autumn.
As we prepare to transition the breakthrough results of BAG-INTEL into their final evaluation phase this August, our team is already leveraging our project management and impact creation expertise to help shape the next generation of Horizon Europe proposals in this strategic domain.
