Ivan Diaz awarded by INDRA in its 'electronic warfare' challenge

Raul Garcia Hemonnet

Once again, a student from Rey Juan Carlos University has been recognized by a leading company in its sector. This time it's Ivan Díaz Jérica, a student of the Bachelor's Degree in Science, Management and Engineering of Services, who was recently publicly congratulated by INDRA after achieving third place in the latest edition of its 'Electronic Warfare Open Challenge'.

For Iván, this recognition is “a tremendous source of excitement and pride. That a company of Indra's caliber recognizes my work and awards a proposal that I know isn't perfect because I'm still learning, but demonstrates their genuine commitment to young talent and potential. This result confirms that I'm on the right track and that the tools I've acquired through my degree in Science, Management, and Service Engineering allow me to tackle complex challenges with confidence.”

Drone detection

Specifically, Iván Díaz's project consists of the development of a Hybrid Platform for the Detection of Stealth UAVs and proposes a modular and scalable network of sensors that he called Argos Nodes, "after a book of Greek mythology that I was reading, in which Argos appears, a giant with a hundred eyes who sees everything," he explains, capable of detecting stealth drones (designed with low detectability technology to make them less visible or undetectable to conventional detection methods), combining quantum, optical and vibration sensors.

The entire network designed by Iván is coordinated by an AI that analyzes data in real time and improves its performance through machine learning. The goal is to offer a flexible, autonomous solution capable of integrating with existing defense systems, increasing effectiveness without requiring large infrastructures.

By achieving third place in the Challenge, Ivan Díaz Jérica has gained access to a training module on electronic warfare, and the experience of participating has given him "the most valuable thing: the opportunity to present my project to other students, Indra management, and industry professionals." He adds, "I've also been able to significantly expand my network, which I'm sure will open doors for me in the future."

For Iván Díaz Jérica, the experience of participating in Indra's challenge has been intense because the preparation time was very limited. He explains, “I had to train quickly in a field as complex as electronic warfare. Even so, I tried to do my best and prepare the most professional proposal possible. Despite the stress, the experience has been very enriching and has allowed me to learn and grow a lot in a very short time.”

Future plans

Iván Díaz, who is still studying for his degree, isn't yet sure which field he'll ultimately work in. "I'd like to try things out and learn until I find my path," he says. He confesses that he'd love to be an associate professor at the university and combine that with his current job.

And, with a view to getting that job, he acknowledges that "having obtained a prominent position in a competition of this level" can open doors for him and give him visibility within the technology and defense sector.

The talent of URJC students is once again being recognized by the country's leading companies.