“We all know it’s here, but you cannot fathom the breadth of knowledge & capabilities until you visit and see it firsthand,” Seth Hutcherson, Director of Strategy and Business Development for Skyward IO, a Verizon company said in reference to the wealth of capability the Grand Forks region has to offer within the unmanned autonomous systems (UAS) industry.
Recently, Hutcherson visited Grand Forks and toured the University of North Dakota’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace to learn more about the nation’s first UAS degree program along with its state of the art facilities, simulators, UAS fleet, and industry expertise. After Hutcherson’s tours at UND Aerospace and Grand Sky UAS Business Park, he spoke at DroneBiz, an event that brings together people and businesses interested in growing the local UAS industry.
During the event, Hutcherson explained Skyward’s drone operations software and spoke about the critical need for growing UAS enterprises to scale intelligently. “It is pivotal to have the proper people, processes, policies, and equipment in place as your business begins to grow,” said Hutcherson. “This enables consistency, control, safety, and standardization across the company’s operations.” Skyward’s platform enables UAS companies and enterprises to conduct mission planning and log flight operations, as well as to manage aircraft fleets, equipment, pilots, and policies easily and efficiently. Skyward’s LAANC and Airspace Intelligence gives mission planners the ability to understand and plan details of flight operations, airspace restrictions, high-traffic areas, and controlling agencies.
I am excited about the possibilities that come along with Hutcherson’s visit. It was great to have Skyward see firsthand what our region has to offer, and they presented a well-developed solution for managing flight operations to the industry. They are a leader in this space and we look forward to partnerships that may be developed from the trip.
DroneBiz is a co-sponsored event hosted by the Great Plains Chapter of AUVSI and sponsored by Evolve Grand Forks and the Grand Forks Region EDC. If you are interested in becoming a speaker at an upcoming event or to learn more about what Grand Forks has to offer, email me.
The next DroneBiz event will be held March 8 from 12-1 pm at the UND Center for Innovation. Shelly Carroll from SC Recon Drone Intelligence will be talking about The Missing Middle – UAS in Natural Resource Management. To learn more visit the DroneBiz event webpage.