Virginia has been ranked #1 for unmanned aerial systems business

Virginia has been ranked #1 for its initiatives in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) business by Business Facilities Magazine.

The Commonwealth was recognized for its work and expansion in the UAS space, as many of its initiatives are coming out of  its Unmanned Systems Center at the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT).

“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,” Jack Rogers, editor in chief for Business Facilities Magazine, said in a statement.

The top ranking announcement comes after the center recently established a 24-member board of advisors to guide strategies and priorities within the four domains of the unmanned systems market: land, sea, air and space.

“Our goal is to ensure that everyone creating opportunities for innovation, economic development and jobs in unmanned systems find the State of Virginia a great place to live, work and innovate. This ranking continues to reinforce the importance of the support we have received from Governor Northam to embrace this emerging industry and welcome business growth,” Unmanned Systems Center Director Tracy Tynan said in a press release.

More locally, D.C.-based Aerial Applications is also leading in the UAS space. The tech startup collects and processes data from drones, and builds software that makes using that data easy for businesses. Aerial Applications recently closed a $4.5 million equity funding round after participating in Verizon’s 5G First Responder Lab.