The Yale Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) has been named the winner of the 2026 Kluz Prize for PeaceTech, recognizing its work using remote sensing and satellite data to strengthen early warning, civilian protection, and accountability in conflict-affected communities. HRL stood out among over 150 applications across 45 countries and was the top-scoring applicant from our distinguished Selection Committee. They were presented their award in New York City on the evening of September 23, 2026—in coordination with the 81st UN General Assembly and the International Day of Peace.
HRL’s work combines satellite imagery and remote sensing methods to detect conflict-related arson, displacement, and threats to civilian communities. Building on its work documenting the destruction of farming communities in Sudan, HRL is working to adapt and expand these methods to support earlier warning of conflict-related displacement and help inform humanitarian response and civilian protection.
"Organizations working to make sure tech can benefit the world's most vulnerable populations during conflict and disaster have never needed allies like Artur Kluz and the PeaceTech prize more than right now. On behalf of the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, it is an honor for our team to become a part of the growing legacy of The Kluz Prize for PeaceTech." — Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director, Yale Humanitarian Research Lab.
Recognizing Distinguished Participants
Alongside HRL, three additional applicants received Special Distinctions at the awards ceremony:
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KoboToolbox - Special Distinction for The Use of AI for Peace: KoboToolbox is developing AI tools that help humanitarian and peacebuilding organizations collect, transcribe, translate, and analyze qualitative data across languages, including under-resourced languages used by conflict-affected communities.
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KivuGuard - Special Distinction for Human Security & Protection: KivuGuard uses offline sensors, LoRa and SMS networks, and an AI-powered platform to provide community-based early warning and coordinate responses to threats in conflict-affected areas of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
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eyeWitness to Atrocities - Special Distinction for Technology in Support of Human Dignity: eyeWitness to Atrocities provides secure mobile technology for capturing and preserving digital evidence of serious human rights violations and international crimes for use in investigations and accountability processes.
Separately, as part of the 5th anniversary edition of the Prize, Artur Kluz personally recognized additional applicants for their contributions to emerging areas of PeaceTech:
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UNOPS Compass - Recognition for Technology Development & Impact: UNOPS Compass combines satellite imagery, AI, and geospatial analysis to help partners identify risks, prioritize resources, and track humanitarian and peace operations in conflict-affected settings.
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BROSWARM - Recognition for Frontier & Deep Technology: BROSWARM is developing lightweight airborne radar technology that enables drones to detect buried landmines and support safer, faster humanitarian mine action.
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MEISSNER and RBV AquaTech - Recognition for Emerging Breakthrough Innovation: MEISSNER is developing AI-guided superconducting materials to make advanced photon-detection technologies more affordable, while RBV AquaTech is developing materials that use low-temperature waste heat to harvest freshwater from the air.
This year’s awardees reflect many of the frontier technologies being applied in the service of peace. They are part of a growing ecosystem of peace innovators harnessing technology to save lives and support human dignity and universal human rights. Congratulations to all of our 2026 awardees.
“The 2026 awardees demonstrate the growing potential of frontier technologies to support peace and humanity. From satellite technologies, artificial intelligence and robotics to tools for civilian protection and accountability, these initiatives show how frontier technologies can be applied to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We are proud to recognize their work and welcome them to the growing Kluz Prize for PeaceTech community.” — Artur Kluz, Founder of the Kluz Prize for PeaceTech
During the coming weeks, we will share a detailed summary of the awards ceremony presentations and panel discussion.
For more information about the Kluz Prize for PeaceTech and the 2026 awardees, contact info@kluzprize.org or visit the Kluz Prize for PeaceTech website.