UNMANNNED & AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS
Fly High in Grand Forks
Droning Out the Competition
We’ve taken our pioneer spirit to a new level, leading the development of a UAS ecosystem that is the most robust in the country. Our region had the foresight to establish expertise in the industry when it was in its infancy, and today, the strength of our vision is your advantage. We are the nation’s UAS trailblazer with many firsts, including the first BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) system (Vantis), the first UAS pilot undergraduate program, and the first UAS research and development business park.
CONTACT US
Questions about joining the UAS ecosystem? Our Business Development Manager, Kevin Hatcher, is ready to answer your questions and connect you to our region’s resources.
Kevin Hatcher
Business Development Manager
Phone: 701.746.2720
Email: kevinh@grandforks.org
Robust Ecosystem
The HIVE: UAS Tech Accelerator
A 36,000 square-foot UAS business accelerator offering office, meeting, and event space designed to help scaleup companies.
- Private meeting rooms for large or small groups
- Event and programming space
- Maker space with 3D printers
- Limited number of lockable offices
- Technical programming and upskilling workshops
Gorman Field UAS Test Range
A 33-acre UAS test range operated by the UND Aerospace Foundation that provides the opportunity to fly with a launch and recovery space, a certificate of authorization, and beyond visual line of sight flying through the FAA and Northern Plains UAS Test Site, interior office space, and workspaces.
Northern Plains UAS Test Site
One of seven FAA UAS test sites in the nation. Offering access to facilities and assets to UAS operators to achieve their commercial and autonomy goals.
- A direct partner with the FAA
- Conducting flight testing, consultation, and research
- Nationwide Certificate of Authorization for flying
- 44,803 Approvals, supporting BVLOS operations
- Provide custom waivers to fit operational needs
Vantis: BVLOS System
Remote infrastructure, backhaul data systems, and a mission system operations center to support unmanned aircraft beyond visual line of sight flying.
A partnership between the Northern Plains UAS Test Site and Thales.
North Dakota has several regions throughout the state that allow for beyond visual line of site flights when connected with the system.
UND Center For Innovation
Business incubator helping provide resources such as coaching, mentorship, networking opportunities, funding, and office space to support growth and development during the early stages of a company’s life.
- Grant Writing Support
- Business Coaching
- Funding
- Meeting Rooms & Office Spaces
GrandSky: Commercial UAS Park
The nation’s first commercial UAS business park. GrandSKY is home to flight testing, UAS operations management, research and development, and more. Major defense contractors Northrop Grumman and General Atomics lease space for operations.
GrandSKY offers build-to-suit locations and temporary facilities for commercial UAS development and testing, as well as defense-related operations support, and has attracted more than $100 million in private investment.
Why Grand Forks: Industry Leaders Share
The New York Times called North Dakota and Grand Forks ‘A Silicon Valley For Drones’ – learn why the Nation’s UAS leaders call Grand Forks home. Hear from:
- Dr. Joshua Riedy – Thread
- Dean Gorder – General Atomics
- Mike Fridolfs – Northrop Grumman
- Don Berchoff – TruWeather Solutions
- Greta Silewski – Thales Group
- Matt Dunlevy – SkySkopes
- Frank Matus – Thales Group
- Doug McDonald – iSight Drone Services
- William Cromarty – Kirkwall Solutions
FAST FACTS
1ST
NATIONAL UAS SUMMIT
1ST
BVLOS System, VANTIS
1ST
UAS PILOT UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM
1ST
UAS MAINTENANCE TRAINING PROGRAM
1ST
DEDICATED UAS Research & development PARK, GRAND SKY
1215
EMPLOYMENT as of 2022
40.9%
5 YEAR % CHANGE as of 2021
1ST
GEOSPATIAL AND IMAGERY ANALYST TRAINING PROGRAMS
1st
REgional UAS Test Range: Gorman Field
$71,00
WAge AVERAGE in 2022
1ST
UND Aerospace was the first four year degree UAS Operation program to receive Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) Accreditation for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
Strategic Workforce Infrastructure
The Grand Forks region offers a robust and specialized workforce pipeline for the UAS industry, anchored by the University of North Dakota (UND) and Northland Community & Technical College (NCTC).
University of North Dakota
UND is home to one of the nation’s leading UAS academic and research programs, producing highly skilled graduates in aviation, engineering, and autonomous systems. UND is also home to the Research Institute for Autonomous Systems (RIAS), which engages researchers across a broad spectrum of disciplines in order to catalyze and support research and technology development for UAS.
Northland Community & Technical College
NCTC complements this with hands-on technician training in UAS maintenance, operations, and electronics. Together, these institutions ensure a steady supply of talent—from researchers and engineers to certified pilots and technicians—ready to support the growth and innovation of unmanned systems.
Career Impact Academy
Serving high school students (grades 10–12) and adult learners, the CIA offers career and technical education (CTE) pathways in fields such as robotics, computer science, and aerospace. Students can earn industry-recognized credentials and participate in work-based learning experiences, directly aligning with regional workforce needs. By expanding access to hands-on training and fostering partnerships with local employers, the CIA is poised to significantly enhance the talent pipeline for the UAS industry and other high-demand sectors.
STAY INFORMED
Stay up to date with the latest information from the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation.
