Commercial UAV Expo 2025 marked another milestone in our ongoing mission to connect and advance the global commercial drone ecosystem. Building on a decade of growth and innovation, this year’s event demonstrated the industry’s continued momentum—showcasing how uncrewed systems are redefining operations, data collection, and decision-making across every major sector.
Once again, Las Vegas served as the meeting point for drone professionals. 3,400 verified industry leaders and innovators from over 60 countries came together to explore the latest technologies and applications shaping the future of uncrewed aviation. With 230 exhibitors unveiling cutting-edge solutions—from AI-driven data platforms to next-generation UAS hardware—the Exhibit Hall was a showcase of the industry’s energy and advancement.
The conference program featured over 140 expert speakers representing the forefront of UAS innovation, policy, and application. Sessions explored real-world use cases in construction, energy & utilities, public safety, and infrastructure & transportation while addressing critical topics such as BVLOS regulation, automation, and AI integration. This year expanded roundtable sessions encouraged open discussion and collaboration around key areas of industry growth and transformation. Commercial UAV Expo also welcomed the Pilot Institute as an Event Partner focusing on the Pilot Hub, offering specialized sessions and workshops designed to help attendees elevate their drone piloting skills and build successful drone businesses.
On the show floor, the event introduced the Indoor Airspace Demonstration Area, giving attendees the opportunity to see drones in action—without leaving the comfort of the Exhibit Hall. Additional networking features, including the Level Up Lounge and receptions, fostered meaningful connections and strengthened collaboration across an increasingly global and dynamic UAS community.
As the industry evolves, Commercial UAV Expo remains the definitive destination for discovering what’s next in uncrewed innovation. Thank you for being part of another remarkable year. We look forward to continuing to propel the commercial drone industry together.
Lee Corkhill Group Event Director
Matt Collins Content Manager
SHOW FACTS & FIGURES
Commercial UAV Expo is the definitive event for anyone serious about the commercial drone industry. It’s where you can connect with the key players, see the latest technology firsthand, and gain a clear understanding of the future of the industry. The focused conference tracks and actionable insights are invaluable for making informed decisions and building a successful drone program. It’s truly a must-attend event that delivers on its promise of being a hub for innovation, education, and networking.”
− Louis Martinez, Oakton College
Attendee Stats
SATISFACTION
89%
say attending Commercial UAV Expo is important to their business
TOP REASONS TO ATTEND
Discovering new products and innovation
Networking and building connections
Meeting with suppliers and vendors
Learning and education
Advancing career
93%
were satisfied with the event overall
92% were satisfied with the conference program
ATTENDEE PURCHASING AUTHORITY
91%
are involved in or influence the purchasing decisions
You absolutely must attend if you are serious about UAV’s and running a business. Everyone was helpful and informative about what they do.”
– Aaron Nelson, AAIRS Image
SHOW FACTS & FIGURES
Attendee Stats
2025 INDUSTRY BREAKDOWN
Other industries include: Aerospace, Automation, Education, Government, Inspection, Manufacturing, Photography & Videography, and Retail Percentages reflect attendees' selections of multiple industries during registration.
In 2025, 3,393 industry professionals attended from 62 countries.
Exhibitor Stats
SATISFACTION
230 Companies exhibited at Commercial UAV Expo
expect to generate a positive ROI as a direct result of exhibiting at Commercial UAV Expo
96%
say exhibiting at Commercial UAV Expo is important for their business 88%
90% met their exhibiting objectives
78% of exhibitors plan to exhibit again
The annual Commercial UAV event in Las Vegas every year is a must-go for any UAV and payload manufacturer, as well as other connected products and services. It is a great event to network with peers and take a look firsthand at the innovation in the industry. I highly recommend it.”
– Yvonel Grimard-Ducharme, Balko Tech
The momentum for our business was great. Meeting existing customers and helping them drive sales to end-users as well as meeting new customers exploring batteries made in the USA was a great success at CUAV this year.”
– Adam Carpenter, Enpower Greentech
230 COMPANIES
SHOW FACTS & FIGURES
2025 Exhibitors
3Dsurvey
4D Avionic Systems LLC
A2Z Drone Delivery
Accipiter Radar
ACSL, Inc.
Additive Manufacturing LLC
Advantage+ Financing
Aerial Service Inc
Aero Systems West
AeroDrone
AGA Holding Company Limited
Ai Pro
AIBOT
Airborne Public Safety Association
AirData UAV, Inc
Aiu Limited
Almo Pro AV
Amprius Technologies
ANELLO Photonics
Angel Aerial Systems
Apco Aviation Ltd
Apis Dronetech LLC
Arcsky
Argument Technologies
Arkensight
Ascent Aerosystems
Aspira Aerial Applications Ltd
Aurelia Aerospace
Balko Tech
Bavovna AI
Blip Industries
Blue Marble Geographics
Blue Nose Aerial Imaging
Blue Skies Drones
BlueBird IT LLC
blueflite
BOXO UKRAINE LLC
BP United Inc.
BRINC
Brytee Corp
Buzz Solutions
Calian (formerly Tallysman)
Canadian UAVs
Carahsoft
Carlson Software
Censys Technologies
Centinus
Central UAS Technologies
CENTUM
CHC Navigation
Clean Coders Studio
Colorado Drone Chargers
CubePilot
DAT/EM Systems
International
DefendEye P.S.A.
DeTect Inc.
DJI
Dolunts LLC
Dongguan Juli Composite Technology Co., Ltd
Doodle Labs
DRB SRL
Drone Nerds Inc
DroneSense, Inc.
DroneSpotter, Inc.
Dual RC
E-One Moli Energy Corp
ECHODYNE
Elistair
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Enpower Greentech
EU Motors
Event 38 Unmanned Systems
FAAVIATOR
Farsight Vision
Federal Aviation Administration
FELLFAB Limited
First Texas Products Electronics MFG
Flyability
Flyby Robotics
FlyGuys, Inc.
FlyingBasket
FlyRoute
FlytBase
Formlabs Inc.
FREE UAV
Frontier Precision
Unmanned
Fullerton Drone Lab at Fullerton College
GDU-TECH CO. LTD
GeoCue
GEODNET
Geosat Aerospace & Technology Inc.
GoEngineer
Greene Rubber Company
GreenValley International
Grepow Inc
DBA Tattu battery
H2MOF
Harris Aerial
Hextronics
HITEC Commercial Solutions
HOBBYWING
Hollyway Group Pet.,Ltd.
Hollywood Drones/ DroneTV
Hunan Joysun New Energy Co.,Ltd
iGage Mapping
Corporation
Illuminate Drones, LLC
Inside Unmanned Systems
Insignito
Inspired Flight Technologies, Inc.
Invest in Niedersachsen
IPET
Japan Drone / JUIDA
Jiangxi Zhenghui New Energy Co.,ltd
Karshak Drones Private Limited
KINETIC CONSULTING
Kramer AV
Kronos Utility
KULR Technology
LAStools LiDAR
Processing - rapidlasso GmbH
Leica Geosystems Inc.
Level Up Lounge
Lidaretto
LIDARUSA
LightWare Lidar Inc.
LIGPOWER
LP360
MAD Components Inc
Mag Specialties Inc.
Markforged
MaxAmps Lithium
Batteries
Modovolo
Motorola Solutions
Multicopter Warehouse
Narma Inc.
Neurodiversity Works
Niedersachsen Aviation
Nippon Kayaku
Nokia Northern Plains
UAS Test Site
Nova
Orkid Tech
Osmose Utilities Services
OXTS
Pants for Birds LLC
Parallel Flight Technologies
Pelican Wire
Phoenix LiDAR Systems
Pilot Institute
Planar
Pointerra
PREO ISR, LLC
Protech Composites, Inc.
PTZOptics
Quantum Solutions
Raad
Red Cat Holdings
Reveal Technology
RFHIC US Corporation
RIEGL USA Inc.
RIIS LLC
Robbox Tools
ROCK robotic
SAMIN E&S_Spavy
Scopito
Seek Thermal
Seiler GeoDrones
Sense Aeronautics
Shenzhen DAMODA
Intelligent Control Technology Co.,Ltd
Shenzhen Sinosun
Technology Co.,Ltd.
Silvus Technologies Inc.
SimActive
SINCLAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Sine Engineering
Sixdof Space
Sky Tech Drones
Skyfront Corp.
Skygauge Robotics
Skyline Nav AI
Skyline Software Systems, Inc.
SkySafe
Solgreen Energy
Sonoran Desert Institute
Sony Electronics
Specialty Coating Systems
Spexi
Spooky Action
SRIZFLY Drone Simulator
Staubli Electrical Connectors, Inc.
Sundance Media Group
Sunhillo Corporation
Superwake
SYNEREX Inc.
Synetic AI
Taisync Technology Inc.
Teledyne Geospatial, a business unit of Teledyne Digital Imaging, Inc.
Terrasolid Ltd
Theta Informatics
Titan Batteries
TREKK Design Group
Trimble Applanix
TUALCOM
UAV Coach
uAvionix Corporation
UAVisus Technology
Limited
Ukraine Pavilion (Futurology&DroneUA)
University Of Maryland
University of North Dakota
Upgrade Energy
USI - Unmanned Safety Institute
UVify
Verge Aero
Vertiq
Virtual Surveyor nv
Voliro
Voyant Photonics
Warren County
Community College
Wave Central
Whiteout Solutions, LLC
Wingtra
Women and Drones LLC
World UAV Federation
Xer Technologies AG
XPONENTIAL
YellowScan
YUAN HIGH-TECH
DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
Zarges, Inc.
Zephyr Drone Simulator
Zephyrs Ai, Inc
EVENT NEWS COVERAGE
Commercial UAV Expo is the place to be if you are in the drone space. There is no better way to keep a pulse on the industry and meet the individuals driving drone adoption forward.”
– Mark Vakarchuk, Databird Solutions
DAY 1 RECAP
Commercial UAV Expo’s first day was an incredible start to the event. The industry is buzzing with excitement, thanks to the vast amount of innovation throughout the sector, to say nothing of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) around BVLOS drone operations. It feels like the industry is on the cusp of a new generation, and the excitement of these possibilities for the future was palpable throughout the exhibit hall floor and the rest of Caesars Forum on opening day.
This year’s event kicked off with a bevy of educational opportunities for attendees, with organizations and companies such as Pilot Institute, ASPRS, Virtual Surveyor, Pix4D, GeoCue, Trimble Applanix, DJI, and Sundance Media Group. Later in the afternoon, 13 companies took the stage in succession for 12-minute presentations as part of the annual
Exhibitor Showcase, detailing their latest offerings and innovations to all attendees. Finally, the exhibit hall floor opened with the opening networking reception, with professionals and industry leaders coming together for great conversations around the present and future of this ever-growing industry.
DAY 2 RECAP
Day Two was filled with over eight full hours of conference programming, a full day of the exhibit hall floor being open, and conversations between old and new friends alike.
Following the keynote, the conference program expanded throughout the rest of the day, featuring a mix of presentations, panel discussions, and roundtable sessions. The latter provided attendees with the opportunity to discuss some of the industry’s most pressing topics with their peers. These sessions covered everything from industry-specific topics for those in surveying, public safety, and other sectors, as well as topics that affect everybody, like the recently released Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Part 108.ion, representatives from HDR and the FAA talked about a specific project in which the HDR team became the first ever to conduct a drone operation at the Grand Canyon.
Following that keynote, the conference program spread out throughout the rest of the day, with a mixture of presentations, panel discussions, and roundtable sessions, the latter of which gave attendees the chance to discuss some of the industry’s most pressing topics with their peers. These sessions covered everything from industryspecific topics for those in surveying, public safety, and other sectors, as well as topics that affect everybody, like the recently released Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Part 108.
The second day of the event also included the annual Pitch the Press competition, in which a selection of exhibiting companies got the chance to take the stage and give quick, two-minute pitches to members of the press on a judging panel. These judges then get together and pick three winners, best representing the innovation that is happening throughout this exhibit hall floor and the show as a whole. This year’s winners were DefendEye, Pants for Birds, and Skyline Nav AI.
DAY 3 RECAP
What an incredible ending to the 2025 Commercial UAV Expo, which came to a close on Thursday. Though it was the final day of the three-day event, you wouldn’t have been able to tell from the amount of energy that persisted throughout Caesars Forum. Although it was a shorter day compared to Wednesday, there was still plenty of content for attendees, both on the exhibit hall floor and throughout the conference program.
Just like Wednesday, Thursday got started with a 60-minute keynote session, with this one taking the form of a panel discussion. This session was centered around one of the most important aspects of success in this industry: Collaboration. The panel discussion, which was moderated by Cyberhawk’s Chris Fleming and featured Scott Lashmit of Cyberhawk, Nitin Gupta of Flytbase, and Michelle Duquette of 3 MAD Air. The discussion touched on how today’s evolving regulatory environment necessitates cross-industry collaboration, as well as how future technologies like automation will drive even more collaboration. At the end of the session, DRONERESPONDERS’ Jason Day then presented the Eric Talley Memorial Award to Officer Matt Rowland.
In addition to the rest of the day’s conference programming, which focused more on the Part 108 NPRM, along with topics such as best practices for surveyors and drone-in-a-box innovations, there was a second day of activity at the Indoor Airspace on the exhibit hall floor.
PRESS COVERAGE & SOCIAL MEDIA
Commercial UAV Expo is a uniquely valuable opportunity to be in one room with the UAV industry’s biggest players.”
– Alistair Blundy, ATA Insurance
COMMERCIAL UAV EXPO 2025 –OUR TEAM’S TAKEAWAYS
HOTTEST NEW DRONES UNVEILED AT COMMERCIAL UAV EXPO 2025: STANDOUT INNOVATIONS ON A CROWDED SHOW FLOOR
FROM DATA TO VALUE: UNLOCKING ROI IN ENTERPRISE DRONE PROGRAMS FROM THE FLOOR OF COMMERCIAL UAV EXPO
COMMERCIAL UAV EXPO 2025 RECAP
Being the ‘UAV Expert’ in my company, it is my duty to stay up to date with market trends in hardware and software and ways other companies are using UAVs. This conference definitely helped me achieve that, and I am bringing back valuable information that will make me better positioned to do my job.”
– Nathan Dyck, Graham Construction
KEYNOTES
How Inaction, Innovation and Intelligence Define the Present and Future of Enterprise Drone Adoption
Moderated by:
Speakers:
Breaking Silos, Building Skies: The Power of Collaboration in UAS
Moderated by:
Speakers:
Kaitlyn Albertoli Buzz Solutions
Thomas F. Butler Dominion Energy
Carlos Femmer HDR
Kerry Fleming UAS LLC
P. Chad Maxwell HDR
Chris Fleming Cyberhawk
Michelle Duquette
Nitin Gupta FlytBase
Scott Lashmit Cyberhawk
FEATURED SESSIONS
In addition to two insightful keynote sessions, Commercial UAV Expo 2025, featured wall-to-wall, can’t miss content through three days in a combined conference program with DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Summit, and Pilot Insititute.
Attendees heard about some of the amazing ways UAV technology is being used today and gained insights into where the technology is moving in the future. Below were some of the the exciting sessions at Commercial UAV Expo 2025.
Moderated by:
Navigating BVLOS Operations
Speakers:
Navigating the Future of the Drone Industry: Autonomy, AI, Innovation, and Beyond
Moderated by:
Speakers:
Where and How are Drones Creating
by:
Al Cire
Virginia State Parks
Carlos Femmer HDR
Speakers:
Anthony Ramon Reeves County Sheriff Office
Calvin Rieb Cargill
Austin Lay Layton Construction
Rob Knochenhauer Censys Technologies
Dallas Brooks Wing
Jon Damush uAvionix
Scott Lashmit Cyberhawk
Jenn Player Skydio
Mike Ralich UPS Flight Forward
Kaitlyn Albertoli Buzz Solutions
Matt Collins Commercial UAV News
Armin Ambuehl Wingtra
Adrien Briod Flyability
Nitin Gupta FlytBase
Bill Irby AgEagle Aerial Systems, Inc
Moderated
James Pierce Ameren
SPECIAL ONSITE EVENTS & SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
This was my first time attending Commercial UAV, and it was an excellent experience. The event featured knowledgeable speakers and a diverse range of exhibitors who were approachable and eager to share insights. The variety of offerings was impressive, and I walked away with valuable information and connections. I’ll definitely be attending again!”
– Chris Tinard, AZDroneFest
Indoor Demonstration Area
COMMERCIAL UAV EXPO 2025 FEATURED INDOOR DEMONSTRATION AREA
At Commercial UAV Expo, one of the most notable new – or perhaps more accurately, returning – features was the Indoor Airspace area in which organizations and companies were able to showcase real-world demonstrations right on the exhibit hall floor. This comes after years of outdoor demonstrations, giving easier access to these demonstrations with some of the smaller drones on the floor. (Except, of course, the massive release from AIBOT that took place in this area.)
There were demonstrations taking place in this netted area throughout the week, and staff from Commercial UAV News were able to stop by for a handful of these demonstrations to get a feel for how things went. For the most part, these demonstrations included both presentations explaining what the crowd was about to see, as well as actual flying for the crowd to see.
National Institute of Standards and Technology
A highlight in the Indoor Airspace demonstration area was a presentation and live demo from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Engineering Laboratory, showcasing their Open Test Lane and Scenarios testing. These standardized test lanes are designed to evaluate a pilot’s ability to identify objects from safe altitudes in open environments, with scalability that allows aircraft of all sizes to demonstrate control and accuracy.
The smallest lane fits neatly inside a basketball or tennis court (or in this case, the Indoor Airspace Demo Area), giving novice pilots a safe way to practice without entering the national airspace. During the demo, a NIST trainer stood outside the cage watching a POV livestream from the drone and providing real-time instructions as the pilot navigated the course. In addition to the “lane” style test, the team also showcased scenario-based evaluations, such as having a drone investigate a mock crime scene—hovering at a safe distance to locate both a “body” and a discarded weapon.
SPECIAL ONSITE EVENTS & SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
By creating repeatable, measurable benchmarks for performance, these tests not only help pilots build skills in a controlled environment but also establish a common foundation for safety, proficiency, and professionalism across the drone industry.
Voliro
Last year, Commercial UAV News reported on the Voliro T Version 5, a new version of the Switzerland-based company’s first-generation aerial robotic platform for performing contact-based inspections and maintenance tasks at height.
That article touted the non-destructive testing (NDT) drone’s omnidirectional flight capabilities and tiltable rotors. It also described how new enhancements enable the platform to perform precise and stable inspections in complex industrial environments.
At Commercial UAV Expo 2025, attendees got the chance to see the Voliro T in action as the company showcased the platform with a live flying demonstration held in the Indoor Airspace Demonstration Area on the Exhibitor Hall floor. As a Voliro pilot put the drone through its paces, a company representative discussed the Voliro T’s 360° orientation
and full-surface coverage abilities, its 10-12 minute flight time, its pulse eddy current instrument for advanced NDT inspections, and more.
CHC Navigation
During their 30-minute presentation, the CHC Navigation team showed off their x500 UAV, specifically showcasing its ease of use. With the added pressure of doing so in front of a live audience, representatives demonstrated how they are able to quickly set up the drone for their purposes, including attaching payloads and getting ready to fly. The X500 includes triple redundant IMUs, dual redundant GNSS, and flight control systems to ensure enhanced safety and functionality.
Much of the presentation focused on the variety of users who can utilize this drone, with use for industries like inspection, surveying, public safety, emergency response, and more. This comes down to the adaptability of the UAV along with the aforementioned user interface. They also noted it is capable of operations in temperatures from -5 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, adding more versatility for this drone. While they were not able to actually get the drone inside the cage to fly, attendees were able to see the setup in person and get plenty of information about how the X500 could potentially assist in their workflow.
EXPLORING REGULATIONS, EDUCATION, AND ADVOCACY AT COMMERCIAL UAV EXPO ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS
There was no shortage of topics to discuss at this year’s Commercial UAV Expo. With a melting pot of backgrounds and experience levels in attendance, the Roundtable Discussion sessions served as a place for these conversations to come to life and for attendees to connect with their peers.
While the seven sessions were dedicated to specific topics, there were undeniable themes across the board that came up in every conversation. To capture these insights, we gathered the perspectives of the discussion leaders from the roundtable sessions that highlight the challenges, opportunities, and advice shaping the drone industry.
How Does the NPRM Affect Individual Operators?
The release of the Part 108 NPRM and what it means for individuals and large organizations was discussed at length during sessions throughout the show. In a roundtable session dedicated to the regulation, attendees expressed concerns about how the proposed rule appears to be in favor of large organizations rather than small or independent operators.
“The attendees I spoke to work at small land surveying firms, and they are licensed in just a few adjacent states with a maximum of six jurisdictions per company. They all agreed with the perception that the NPRM for Part 108 was heavily influenced by lobbying of large delivery companies and will harm the ‘small guy’ ” stated Juan Plaza, CEO of Plaza Aerospace Corp.
Another consensus from attendees was that getting a Part 108 certification under the proposed rule would not be worth the trouble for them.
“Many operators concurred that they would continue operating under Part 107 and not make the shift to Part 108 operations as currently written,” explained Josh Olds, president, CEO and Co-Founder of Unmanned Safety Institute.
One topic that came up in the same session, and one that may not be getting proper attention is that of the proposed Part 146 within the NPRM. This rule addresses the digital infrastructure that will support BVLOS operations of the future such as data delivery, deconfliction, and flight monitoring platforms.
“This rule is significant because it creates opportunities for companies interested in providing the services this Part would regulate,” said Zaida McGhee, founding partner and author at Angulo McGhee APC.
“Part 146 would apply to Automated Data Service Providers (ADSP’s) and the services they offer for BVLOS flights. The rules in this Part would govern certification, authorizations, performance standards, and oversight. The FAA would certify providers, authorize specific services (e.g. detectand-avoid, traffic management, weather integration), set performance and safety standards (e.g. data reliability, quality, cybersecurity,) and enable BVLOS operations by ensuring the digital services are reliable,” explained McGhee.
How to Prepare the Workforce for Future Operations
The drone industry is advancing quickly, and it’s imperative that its workforce remains ahead of the curve by training for the problems and operations of tomorrow. There were many conversations around how to train the next generation of drone operators, with focus on skills-based learning opportunities. As for current operators, it was clear that training programs need to be adaptable to the everchanging needs of the industry.
“To keep pace with evolving technologies such as BVLOS, AI, and autonomy, workforce development must be dynamic and adaptable. Training and education programs should build flexibility into their curricula, updating content as new tools, regulations, and applications emerge,” said Nikolas Macchiarella, professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
A key challenge right now is identifying the right tools to safely train pilots for BVLOS flights, with one discussion leader predicting the industry will adopt models similar to those used by commercial airline pilots.
“The gap between individual operators and full-scale commercial BVLOS operations has never been wider. The NPRM highlights this divergence clearly,” said Paul Rossi, director of development and safety at Causey Aviation Unmanned. “I believe the pathway to validating safe manyto-one BVLOS operations will rely heavily on advanced simulators. These simulators will not only be central to operational validation but will also form the foundation of future BVLOS training and pilot qualification programs.”
In the long term, it will be important for the drone industry to foster relationships with educational institutions to ensure that the workforce of the future is on the right track.
“Strong partnerships between industry, academia, and government will be essential for monitoring technological trends and aligning training with real-world needs,” stated Macchiarella.
How Operators Win Support and Grow Their Business
One benefit of the roundtable discussions was the opportunity to get advice from seasoned operators in the industry. Everyone wants to grow in their field, and our discussion leaders shared what has helped them get to where they are today. Overall, it was agreed upon that advocating for yourself and the value that your work brings can go a long way.
“Everyone across all sectors had the same thoughts on the importance of ‘showing the wins’ when it comes to getting higher ups in your agency to further adopt drones because they see the constant benefit. We need to be better about monetizing how drones can save money because that’s the best way to get buy-in,” shared Garrett Hultgren, sergeant at Longmont Police Department.
For those who are their own manager, advocating for yourself may mean getting out of your comfort zone by expanding into new regions, or getting active on social media to promote your business.
“Don’t be afraid to look for work beyond your local area of operations. Also, make your voice heard on social media and utilize AI to help organize and prepare those posts,” said Robert Hart, owner of LIDAR Drone Services.
DEFENDEYE, PANTS FOR BIRDS, AND SKYLINE NAV AI WIN ‘PITCH THE PRESS’ AT COMMERCIAL UAV EXPO 2025
DefendEye, Pants for Birds, and Skyline Nav AI have been named the three winners of the annual “Pitch the Press” competition at Commercial UAV Expo, the leading international trade show and conference focused on commercial drone technology.
Each year, Commercial UAV Expo hosts “Pitch the Press,” a unique opportunity for exhibitors to present their products to a group of editors and reporters looking for the unique new technology being showcased at Commercial UAV Expo. Fifteen exhibitors were selected from a large pool of applicants to share their latest product or service during the one-hour event. Each exhibitor gave a two-minute elevator pitch to members of the media, followed by a short Q&A.
This year’s judges included Nathan Roe of Lidar News and Scott Howe of Commercial UAV News. These judges listened to two-minute pitches from company representatives. They then evaluated the presentations, looking for innovation and potential for ROI, to select the top three.
The 2025 winners are:
• DefendEye
• Pants for Birds
• Skyline Nav AI
The judges were impressed by Pants for Birds’ ADSBee 1090 series of open-source embedded ADS-B receivers. These low-cost, highly adaptable units, they felt, could be useful in a wide variety of applications involving aircraft and drone detection. Similarly, the judges felt that DefendEye’s small, tube-launched drone system could improve the speed and effectiveness of many public safety and law enforcement operations, and they saw Skyline Nav AI, with its focused public safety mission, as an important addition to the uncrewed systems sector.
“The winners of this year’s Pitch the Press presented innovative business concepts with clearly defined applications and use cases,” Roe said.Kanwar Singh, Skyline Nav AI
“The creativity and ingenuity in all of these solutions is incredible,” said Carla Lauter, Content Manager for Geo Week News, who served as the moderator for the event. “The winners represent some true out-of-the-box thinking and are bringing drone technology to more applications and industries than previously possible.”
Below is a complete list of companies that took part in Pitch the Press:
• Arcsky
• Blue Marble Geographics
• Centinus
• CHC Navigation
• DefendEye
• DroneOps Trailers
• FlyingBasket
• GEODNET
• GEOTECH Bratislava s.r.o. / LIDARETTO
• Inspired Flight Technologies
• Karshak Drones Private Limited
• Pants for Birds
• Reveal Technology
• RIEGL USA
• Skyline Nav AI, Inc.
UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship
CELEBRATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF DRONE INDUSTRY LEADERS
The future of aviation and unmanned systems depends on the passion, talent, and drive of the next generation— and this year’s scholarship recipients embody all of these qualities and more. From pursuing groundbreaking research to inspiring their peers, these individuals are already making their mark on the drone industry. The UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship was established to support university students who are passionate about using uncrewed aerial systems for social good, while also fostering a more inclusive and diverse community in the commercial drone industry.
This year’s scholarship awardees attending Commercial UAV Expo represent a remarkable group of students whose dedication and vision demonstrate what is possible when curiosity meets commitment.
From California, Luxary Crisostomo, an aerospace engineering major at Grossmont College, has turned her fascination with aviation technology into a purposeful journey in the drone industry. Driven by a passion for flight and a desire to make a difference, she has combined hands-on learning with leadership in her academic community, setting the stage for a promising career in unmanned systems.
At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Belle Christianson is pursuing her studies with a clear focus on advancing aviation technology. Her work highlights the growing role of women in aerospace and reflects the power of
determination and curiosity in shaping a career. With her strong technical knowledge and collaborative spirit, Belle stands out as a future leader in the field.
From Zimbabwe, Jesca Manyika (2024 recipient) exemplifies the global reach and impact of drone technology. At Zimbabwe Open University, her studies center on using unmanned systems to support communities through practical applications from agriculture to infrastructure monitoring. Her vision underscores how drones can play a vital role in addressing pressing challenges worldwide.
At George Mason University, Shahrukh Vasaya is exploring how unmanned systems can transform industries and unlock new opportunities for innovation. His academic and extracurricular pursuits reflect a deep commitment to applying drone technology for societal benefit, while his role as a mentor and advocate for his peers demonstrates his leadership both inside and outside the classroom.
Together, these scholarship recipients represent not just academic excellence but the passion, innovation, and inclusivity that will carry the drone industry forward. Their achievements remind us that the future of aviation is not only about advancing technology, but also about the people who will guide its growth.
In a brief meet-and-greet session taking place on the Summit Stage, Nina Shack, a scholarship recipient herself in 2024, lead a Q&A to ask the students their advice for others. Many mentioned the importance of persistence, speaking up, and finding a mentor that can support you so it doesn’t feel like you’re going alone.
As the drone industry continues to evolve, Luxary, Belle, Shahrukh, and Jesca exemplify the next wave of leaders who will push boundaries, solve problems, and inspire others to reach new heights. It gives me so much hope for the future of drones as a force for good.
LEVEL UP LOUNGE In partnership with
In 2025, Commercial UAV Expo partnered with Global Air U to co-host the Level Up Lounge, an innovation space dedicated to personal, professional, and brand development. With the mission to empower UAV professionals with the best resources, tools, and insights to take their brands to the next level!
This was my first time at the Commercial UAV Expo and it was a great experience! Between the workshops, roundtable discussions, exhibit hall, and networking with others in the the industry, it was an experience that will help me and my company grow and provide better service and products to our clients and customer base. Already looking forward to next years conference!”
- Nick Seres, DronePoint, LLC
190 CONSULTATIONS and 380 VISITORS
PRESENTED BY:
PILOT HUB
The Pilot Hub at Commercial UAV Expo offered a unique opportunity to tap into the wealth of knowledge and expertise fostered by industry experts. Current and future drone pilots had dedicated content and workshops on the Exhibit Hall Floor.
Commercial UAV Expo is a tremendous opportunity to be around like-minded individuals and experts who help navigate the current applications of UAV’s. Commercial UAV Expo also offers a glance into the future of where the industry is headed, and that’s the most exciting part!”
– Nathan Dyck, Graham Construction & Engineering
This was my first time at the Commercial UAV Expo, and the quality and experience of the entire event was far more engaging and valuable than I thought it would be. It went beyond my expectations, and I will definitely be going again next year if I get the chance to.”
– Daniel Garcia, TurnPoint Geomatics
Commercial UAV Expo is the most comprehensive event in the drone industry, bringing together leading companies, professionals, and experts. It provides the perfect platform to discover the latest innovations, attend insightful sessions, and expand valuable business partnerships.”
– Yihsueh Yang, ITRI
This was my first drone conference ever. I can’t be happier that it was Commercial UAV Expo. As I continue to grow in this industry it is important for me to participate in these type of events, and this event affirmed my desires. Their forward look into the industry is spot on. And their investment into trying to get these type of programs into high schools and colleges is amazing. I wish I had these types of opportunities when I was in that phase of my life.”
– Georgi Hernandez, TCA Drone + Scan
SOCIAL IMPACT
The CUAV Expo was great exposure to the drone industry as a college student exploring the industry. It was a pleasure to meet all the amazing professionals and I’m beyond grateful for winning the scholarship to attend!”
– Luxary Crisostomo, Elementary Institute of Science
Social Responsibility
Commercial UAV Expo is accountable and committed to contributing to the well-being of communities and society through environmental and social measures.
Sustainability Pledge
As a leader in the global expositions and conference industry, Diversified Communications, the organizer of Commercial UAV Expo, recognizes its responsibility to understand and prioritize actions to reduce the carbon impact of the events it produces. Learn what we are doing at Commercial UAV Expo this year, and what you can do to help.
UAV Empower
UAV Empower is part of Diversified Communications’ Diversity, Equity + Inclusion efforts to drive discussions and actively advance the principles of racial equality, social justice, and inclusion. Through these efforts, we aim to influence and encourage an ecosystem for the open exchange of ideas and the ongoing pursuit of best practices. Learn more about Commercial UAV Expo’s DEI initiative and how we can support your efforts in this area.
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
Commercial UAV Expo was supported by 280+
publications, portals, associations, user groups, analysts, cooperating events, and government agencies, covering 6 continents
