AUVSI Gives the Rundown on Eight States Coming to XPONENTIAL

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is highlighting eight states that will be exhibiting and discussing their respective unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) initiatives at this year’s XPONENTIAL, taking place in Dallas on May 8-11.

The states that will be represented are Colorado, Kansas, Maryland, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas and Utah. XPONENTIAL 2017, taking place at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, will feature Jim Cantore from The Weather Channel and Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel, as keynote speakers.

“With growth set to explode for the unmanned systems industry, states offer a variety of tax and financial incentives to companies working in the space, but equally important is a base of educated, skilled employees,” comments Brian Wynne, AUVSI’s president and CEO. “We are excited to see so much interest from state organizations that are looking to attract, retain and train the innovators in the unmanned aircraft systems industry.”

AUVSI offers the following rundown on the states’ respective work in the industry:

• Colorado: UAS Colorado is a nonprofit industry advocacy group that is committed to growing the commercial drone industry in Colorado;
• Kansas: Kansas Aviation is heavily invested in UAS and will host business and technology stakeholders that currently produce over 70% of general aviation aircraft in the world.
• Maryland: Unmanned and autonomous vehicles are at work today across Maryland, including for farmers, watermen, infrastructure inspectors, and the first-responder communities.
• Nevada: The Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems (NIAS) encourages business relationships and collaboration with research institutions, and it helps enhance the UAS industry knowledge base in order to attract new businesses in the state.
• North Dakota: To date, North Dakota has invested over $37 million for UAS initiatives and is collaborating with public and private partners to advance the industry.
• Ohio: Home to the world capital of aeronautical research and development, Ohio also offers the U.S.’ first site to fly UAS beyond the visual line of sight and hosts the annual UAS Midwest Conference.
• Texas: The Lone Star Corral will feature operational, technical, research and development, and community development discussions with developers and academics that are driving the UAS industry in Texas.
• Utah: Since 1987, EDCUtah has worked with state and local government and private industry to attract and grow companies and spur the expansion of local Utah businesses.

AUVSI expects more than 7,000 stakeholders from more than 55 countries to attend XPONENTIAL 2017. The exhibit hall will showcase more than 650 companies from around the world.