At Commercial UAV Expo 2024, Randy Macchi of Houston (TX) Public Works discussed the importance of innovation in the commercial drone sector. “It's about not doing it the same way that we've always done it,” Macchi said. “When you have an opportunity in front of you to elevate your game, to solve other problems along the way, that's where you need to embrace technology, that's where you need to embrace the industry.” 

Fortunately, many in the commercial drone world agree with Macchi, as, every day, we learn about new advances in uncrewed technology and related systems. As readers of Commercial UAV News and attendees of Commercial UAV Expo know, innovations in drones, software, docks, artificial intelligence, and other components of the commercial drone ecosystem keep coming every day.

Despite this constant advancement, the question remains: What does it mean to be “innovative” in an industry that is continually defined by new paradigms and parameters? And how can you make sure your new and better ideas stand out and are adopted by commercial drone operators?

A great way to stand out is to apply to the Commercial UAV Expo Innovation Spotlight.

Through the Spotlight, Commercial UAV Expo will highlight products and services that are truly “innovative” for the commercial UAV space. We’ll provide a platform for products, services, and systems that are solving real-world problems in new and better ways, saving time and money, adding value, and enhancing safety and security.

This spotlight will be featured on the Commercial UAV Expo website, and viewers will have the option to vote on their favorite technology.

Participating products will be:

  • Featured in the Commercial UAV News weekly newsletter, which is distributed to a subscribers list of more than 26,000 commercial drone industry professionals.
  • Included in the Commercial UAV Expo Innovation Spotlight
  • Promoted on Commercial UAV Expo social media

And the product or service receiving the most votes will win a free article on Commercial UAV News, highlighted as a Must-Watch Product of 2025.

Visit the official Commercial UAV Expo Innovation Spotlight page and fill out the form to submit your new product. The deadline to apply is April 25, 2025.