The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Michigan Central, a center for advancing technologies and programs that address barriers to social, economic, and physical mobility, recently announced the launch of Detroit’s Advanced Aerial Innovation Region.
Advanced Aerial Innovation Region is an two-year initiative designed to make Michigan a leader in next-generation aerial mobility and drone technology. It will work to advance policy, attract startups, catalyze new high-skill jobs, and drive commercialization and adoption of drone technology, and will provide open, shared infrastructure and services that enable commercial drone development.
The region will cover a three mile radius around Michigan Central.
Michigan Central will provide resources for foundational infrastructure, community engagement and skills training while MDOT will manage the network and define operating parameters and data and safety protocols.
Newlab, a tech venture platform focused on technologies needed to decarbonize, and Airspace Link, a drone service provider, will serve as strategic partners supporting activation and development in the region. Newlab, MDOT and Michigan Central will collaborate to mobilize startups and industry partners through pilot projects.
Airspace Link will provide the platform and processes for safe operations in an urban environment.
The drone market will grow threefold by 2030, according to a Precedence Research forecast.