The Virginia Unmanned Systems Center at CIT is the nexus for Virginia's activity in UxS - Land, Air, Sea, and Space. The Center for Innovative Technology is the primary source for information, grants, partnerships, and seed funding for UxS in the Commonwealth.
CIT Unmanned Systems | Virginia
As a major part of Governor Ralph Northam's "Comprehensive Economic Development Policy for the Commonwealth", Virginia is actively seeking to expand and diversify industries in Virginia - with special attention to the UAV and Unmanned Systems industry.
On May 11, 2017, CIT launched their UxS initiative named Virginia Unmanned Systems Center at CIT. The Center serves as a unified voice and central source for information and assistance related to the unmanned systems landscape in Virginia. The Virginia Unmanned Systems Center at CIT team members are charged with building on the rich assets and business climate to make Virginia "THE" state for unmanned systems.
The Center is responsible for instilling an entrepreneurial culture regarding Autonomous Systems across Virginia, encourage economic growth across the Commonwealth via Autonomous emergent business activities, and continue and increase the Commonwealth's position as a leader of the Autonomous Systems community. |
“I am encouraged to see so many private sector partners stepping up and thinking innovatively as we work together to combat COVID-19,” said Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. “Drones can be an important way to deliver medical supplies while people stay home to adhere to our social distancing guidelines. Virginia is well-positioned to be a leader in the unmanned system industry, and we are pleased to be part of this initiative.”
Virginia Ranked #1 for Unmanned Aerial Systems Business - 2019 & 2020
The 2019 & 2020 announcements of Business Facilities Magazine’s 15th & 16th Annual Rankings Reports determined that Virginia’s initiatives in unmanned aerial systems business deserved the top spot in the nation for its UAS innovation and expansion. According to Jack Rogers, Editor in Chief for Business Facilities Magazine: “Virginia is poised to be an influencer of growth in this emerging industry for years to come. The State’s unmanned systems leadership, facilities and industry connections, both military and civilian contributed to their national ranking as the #1 state for unmanned aerial business.” |
Operation Last-Mile: Critical Drone Delivery – A Part 107 Report
DroneUp recently partnered with Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) in tests designed to determine how unmanned aerial systems can assist with critical delivery during times of crisis under the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Part 107 regulations. |
Virginia Drone CORONAVIRUS Response Initiatives
Herndon, VA, April 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) recently partnered with UPS’s (NYSE:UPS) drone delivery subsidiary UPS Flight Forward (UPSFF) and drone technology companies DroneUp and Workhorse Group (NASDAQ: WKHS) in tests designed to determine how unmanned aerial systems can assist medical professionals in their fight to stop the spread of the Coronavirus
Virginia Unmanned Systems Center at CIT | Video, Photo & Article Gallery
“It is exciting to see the unmanned systems industry in Virginia being recognized for its innovation, growth potential and economic impact. This is a direct result of the high level of commitment made by the Northam Administration and Virginia’s legislature to this important industry. It includes opportunities for innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers in Virginia to have a powerful impact on public and private utilization of unmanned systems in the future."
- Ed Albrigo, CIT President & CEO