Dubbed the “Silicon Valley of Drones” and home to one of seven Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) test sites conducting vital research, North Dakota is defining cutting-edge technology for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with $77 million already invested in capital and infrastructure.
The investment, coupled with deep relationships between the FAA and state to facilitate regulatory approvals, has led to North Dakota’s industry-defining advancement, Vantis.
Vantis positions North Dakota as the epicenter of commercial UAS activity by being the nation's first UAS statewide network to enable UAS flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).
The future for UAS in North Dakota is truly unlimited. With Vantis, North Dakota has the physical, commercial, and intellectual infrastructure to ensure that we continue leading the autonomous era.
North Dakota is home to Vantis, the nation's first statewide unmanned aerial systems (UAS) network.
Experience our uncongested airspace, open terrain, and true four-season climate.
Benefit from our state’s direct access to decision-makers, business-centric government, and deep relationships with the FAA.
Collaborate with our partners like the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, GrandSKY UAS Flight Operations Center, Thales, Northrup Grummon, General Atomics, and nearly 50 other UAS companies that call North Dakota home.
Learn from decades of aviation, telecommunication, engineering, and government experience at University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University.
Fly with a leader. Fly with North Dakota.
A Strong UAS Team
North Dakota is home to a growing cluster of UAS research, business and military interests. Partnerships among private businesses, universities and state government strengthen North Dakota's position as a leader in UAS.
- The University of North Dakota is a world leader in aerospace education, UAS operations and safety. UND offers one of the most established UAS undergraduate programs in the nation.
- North Dakota State University possesses expertise in electronics engineering and computing technologies.
- The Northern Plains Unmanned Systems Authority focuses on safety, privacy and development of technologies, principles and procedures for UAS integration into the national airspace. The Authority oversees the Northern Plains UAS Test Site.
- North Dakota Aeronautics Commission plays a lead role in aviation safety.
- The Office of the Adjutant General provides a key link to UAS use for military applications.
- High-tech North Dakota businesses and their partners create an environment where collaboration and synergy result in new business opportunities.
- State leadership is committed to making North Dakota a hub for UAS advancement.
Contact your UAS Business Development Manager, Landon Johnson at 701-328-6472 to learn more.
Commerce is requesting proposals for grant funding of up to $7.5 million for transformative initiatives that advance autonomous agriculture in the state. Grants may be awarded in full or split among multiple recipients.
UAS Business Opportunities
Successful partnerships among private businesses, universities and the state continue to strengthen North Dakota’s position as a UAS leader.
UAS Research and Education Centers
Our universities and partnerships are helping to drive UAS development, training and flight as well as fostering an environment conducive to continuing industry expansion.
Northern Plains UAS Test Site
North Dakota's Northern Plains UAS Test Site is one of seven FAA-approved UAS test sites.
Technology Parks and Incubators
North Dakota’s high-tech research facilities and incubators foster the growth of the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry.
North Dakota UAS Ecosystem
North Dakota is home to a growing field of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research, business and military interests.
UAS Uses and Benefits
Remotely piloted vehicles and unmanned aircraft, collectively known as unmanned aircraft systems or UAS, have revolutionized certain tasks.