How artificial intelligence can save lives in conflict and crisis scenarios. 29 April 2026 13:57 Opinion by The ability to integrate multiple data sources - from satellites to social media - and to adapt systems to different scenarios is, in itself, a fundamental innovation. In humanitarian crisis and conflict scenarios, the speed and quality of information can determine the outcome for vulnerable populations. It is in this context that artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure demonstrate significant potential, transforming vast volumes of complex data into actionable alerts and reliable information to protect civilians. A relevant use case can be observed in Ukraine. AI-based monitoring tools from Hala Systems, a Portugal-based startup focused on developing technology for civilian protection, are used to analyze social media, open communications, and other sources to identify risk patterns. These tools, operating on AWS cloud infrastructure, in collaboration with the NGO Save Ukraine, support operations that have already contributed to the rescue of 207 displaced children to date. These results demonstrate how technology and intelligent data analysis, supported by scalable cloud technology, can generate a concrete impact on the ground. Also in Ukraine, AWS has supported other vital initiatives, such as the Bevar Ukraine program, which empowers Ukrainian refugees with AI support, showing how cloud technology is a fundamental pillar in crisis response. The application of AI in this context involves several challenges, including misinformation, which can hinder fast and safe decision-making. The most advanced systems use AI agents capable of cross-referencing multiple sources, assigning confidence levels to content, and highlighting only the most relevant data for each situation. However, a person always remains in the decision-making process (human in the loop), ensuring that data interpretation meets ethical, legal, and security standards. Early warning tools have also shown significant impact in other crisis scenarios. In Syria, systems that combined remote sensors installed in critical infrastructure, contributions from volunteers on the ground, and automated data analysis could warn civilians of imminent airstrikes, with an average of eight minutes' notice. These systems are estimated to have reached over two million people and contributed to a 20% to 30% reduction in casualties. The development of the Sentry platform by Hala Systems, headquartered in Lisbon, illustrates how technology, supported by cloud infrastructure, can evolve from local, manual solutions to platforms capable of significantly expanding civilian protection. Beyond conflict zones, the same approach can be applied to natural disasters, critical infrastructure monitoring, post-disaster damage assessment, and even environmental change analysis. The ability to integrate multiple data sources - from satellites to social media - and to adapt systems to different scenarios is, in itself, a fundamental innovation, as each crisis presents unique characteristics. The flexibility of cloud infrastructure is essential for developing agile, scalable, and secure solutions that can quickly adapt to different geographies and risk contexts. The AWS Disaster Response team actively works to ensure this technology is available when and where it is most needed, providing crucial support in emergencies. Technology has the power to contribute to areas as diverse as civilian protection, public health, sustainability, and disaster resilience. More than successful business outcomes, it is about measurable social impact. Technological advancement is only part of the equation. The true value lies in how data is analyzed, verified, and translated into practical decisions that protect people and support humanitarian organizations on the ground. In a world marked by prolonged conflicts, complex humanitarian crises, and an increasingly saturated information environment vulnerable to disinformation, the combination of AI, rigorous data validation, and coordinated human action, enabled by the robustness of cloud computing, can radically transform civilian protection. Head of Technology Software & Tech Companies for Southern Europe and France at AWS Topics.

Portuguese technology saves civilians, including children, in war zones. Marcelo Teixeira, Contributor 26 March 2026 07:00 The startup Hala Systems, based in Portugal, is using artificial intelligence to help protect civilians in war zones and humanitarian crisis contexts. The company, founded over a decade ago, develops systems capable of analyzing large volumes of data and transforming it into alerts and information that support humanitarian organizations and authorities in responding to risk situations. Hala Systems' technology cross-references data from different sources - from satellites and remote sensors to social networks and other open platforms - to identify patterns and anticipate threats. The systems run on Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud infrastructure, which allows the company to quickly develop and implement solutions in different crisis scenarios. This flexibility is considered essential in a context where each conflict presents specific challenges. By using the cloud, the team can adapt its tools to new operational environments and rapidly increase processing capacity when necessary - a critical factor when minutes can make the difference between life and death. Technology applied in war zones: Syria and Ukraine. One of the company's best-known projects is Sentry, an early warning platform initially created for Syria. The system combines sensors installed in critical infrastructure, information collected by volunteers on the ground, and automated data analysis to detect possible air attacks. When a risk is identified, the system issues early warnings to the civilian population. According to organization estimates, the technology has reached more than two million people and provided an average of eight minutes warning before attacks, contributing to reducing the number of victims by 20% to 30%. The project was even exhibited at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington. More recently, the company has been involved in the response to the war in Ukraine. In collaboration with the non-governmental organization Save Ukraine, Hala Systems developed a tool that monitors social networks and other open sources to identify information related to the forced displacement of children. The system looks for references to the movement of minors - including mentions of military training camps - allowing humanitarian teams to locate relevant clues. According to the organization, this technology has already contributed to operations that resulted in the rescue of 207 children, a number that continues to grow. The company has also been strengthening the use of artificial intelligence agents capable of analyzing large volumes of information in real time, cross-referencing different sources, and assigning confidence levels to analyzed content. This approach helps address one of the main challenges of modern wars: misinformation. Additionally, Hala Systems is developing multi-agent systems that allow processing multiple data streams simultaneously. Despite automation, the company emphasizes that final decisions always remain under human supervision. "No two conflicts are identical and we have to develop different technologies for different regions. AWS allows us to be adaptable," says Begoña Sesé de Lucio, product manager at Hala Systems. System security is also a priority, adds the company, which uses AWS infrastructure to ensure high standards of data protection. The Portuguese startup's work has now led it to join the AWS Pioneers Project, a European initiative launched to highlight companies using technology with social impact. "Selecting Hala Systems was a natural decision," says André Rodrigues, AWS spokesperson in Portugal and technology lead for software and technology companies in southern Europe. "They're using artificial intelligence to face critical challenges, from social resilience to human security. Stories like this show the true potential of technology." With projects already applied in conflict zones, Hala Systems intends to continue expanding its tools to new scenarios, including responses to natural disasters and monitoring of critical infrastructure. The objective remains the same since its founding: using technology to protect populations in extreme risk situations. Topics.