Living Working Industries Business News & Events Government Home Innovation & Industries Autonomous Systems Autonomous Systems HERE, THE SKY’S NO LIMIT North Dakota’s spacious skies are not only worth singing about, but they’re also serving as America’s unmanned proving ground. One might say it’s the Silicon Valley of drone innovation and a pacesetter for the nation. Our state is one of seven FAA test sites that conducts vital research for integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into our national airspace system. North Dakota means business when it comes to UAS, investing over $77 million to advance research and development in this critical industry. Today 50 companies employ nearly 1,000 in the UAS industry, but that’s forecasted to go up, up, up by 2026 to be a $100 billion sector offering 100,000 jobs in research, manufacturing and service. Partners like Northern Plains UAS Test Site, Grand Sky Business and Aviation Park, University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University see the potential on the horizon, too. The open terrain, uncongested airspace, a true four-season climate, and proximity to robust energy and agriculture industry clusters give North Dakota a wing up. So, if you’re ready to fly with a leader, there’s no better place to take flight than North Dakota. UAS Industry Fact Sheet UAS TRAINING & EDUCATION PROGRAMS LINKS & RESOURCES Lake Region State College(link is external) North Dakota State University(link is external) Northland Community and Technical College(link is external) Northern Plains Test Site Research and Education Center University of North Dakota(link is external) Aeronautics Commission Department of Transportation Technology Parks and Incubators UAS Uses and Benefits A Leader in Unmanned Systems(link is external) (video) Jobs nationwide UAS Fleet UAS Pilots SUCCESS STORY U.S. Department of Transportation selects NDDOT for next phase of UAS pilot program U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced that the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has been selected as one of eight participants in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) BEYOND Program. Read More Copyright © 2020 State of North Dakota - 600 E. Boulevard | Bismarck, ND 58503 Footer menu Accessibility Contact Disclaimer Privacy Policy Security Policy State Marketing Feedback (+) Provide Website Feedback