In a landmark move, DronePort Rotterdam has announced a series of strategic developments that firmly cement its position as a leader in the realisation of a fully integrated innovative mobility ecosystem spanning ports, airports, urban, and regional landscapes.
A Global Event: U-Space Revolution Event in Rotterdam
Beginning with the inaugural launch of the ‘U-Space Revolution in Rotterdam’ on March 5, 2024, co-organised with the Port of Rotterdam and attracting 200 participants from 14 countries, this unique event marks the start of a new era in autonomous and uncrewed intelligent systems, such as drones. The conference serves as a platform to highlight the rising interest in the emerging potential of this technology and its expected impact on society. Additionally, it acts as a launching pad for DronePort Rotterdam’s strategic alliances.
Aerospace Delta Launch: Forging the Future of Autonomous and Uncrewed Intelligent Systems
At the core of this strategic vision lies the Aerospace Delta initiative, stemming from the collective ambition of DronePort Rotterdam and its premier regional partners, including Unmanned Valley, the Aerospace Innovation Hub @TU Delft, InnovationQuarter, and STC (Scheepvaart en Transport College), with support from the City of Rotterdam and the Province of Zuid-Holland. With a newly formed coalition of 100 out of 260 entities under the Aerospace Delta umbrella, there is a unified commitment to transforming both the region and the Netherlands into a global hub for autonomous and uncrewed intelligent systems. This coalition focuses on innovation and industry transformation through education, testing, training, social entrepreneurship, investments, regulations, policies, and actively applying these initiatives operationally for broader impact.
Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening the Ecosystem Through Educational Innovation
In partnership with STC – the worldwide operating educational and research institution for the shipping, logistics, transport, and process industries – DronePort Rotterdam is collaborating on developing an extensive drone curriculum. This curriculum, covering the entire drone ecosystem, is tailored for both regular and professional education levels. It encompasses a range of drone-related educational content, from regulatory frameworks and safety protocols to practical applications, technological innovations, and policy implications. Additionally, these resources are being developed into online formats to cater to a broad audience, including students, professionals, and newcomers, ensuring everyone can access the information they need to engage with drone technology safely and effectively.
For the second half of this year, STC and DronePort Rotterdam are hosting the ‘Smart Vision Experience: Autonomous and Uncrewed Intelligent Systems’. The event serves to educate and inspire the current and next generations of industry leaders and innovators, showcasing the latest advancements in drone technology and autonomous and uncrewed intelligent systems.
In partnership with Drone Fusion – the international platform for drone researchers and schools innovating for a circular tomorrow – Saxion University of Applied Sciences and DronePort Rotterdam are developing a prime and future-proof platform to drive innovation, research, business, and excellence in the field for autonomous and uncrewed intelligent systems.
This partnership believes in the potential of drone technology to facilitate Europe’s digital, sustainable, and societal transitions, offering benefits for businesses and society to help build a resilient future. By connecting bright minds, makers, and entrepreneurs in the industry, our partnership is set to catalyse technological progress and market growth, setting new standards for the adoption and integration of autonomous and uncrewed systems worldwide. Ultimately, this partnership seeks to contribute to societal advancement and economic growth while skilling future generations and reskilling the current ones.
A Collaborative Blueprint for Regional Advancement
The DronePort Rotterdam organisation and its regional collaboration with partners under the Aerospace Delta banner reflect our collective vision and dedication to the future of the Zuid-Holland region and beyond. Uniting pioneers across business, education, and government, we are establishing a strong foundation for a future enriched by autonomous and uncrewed intelligent systems, essential to our daily lives, economic growth, and community well-being. We encourage you to further explore this initiative and collective vision.
About Aerospace Delta Zuid-Holland
Aerospace Delta Zuid-Holland stands as the premier aerospace ecosystem in the Netherlands, recognised as a top-tier European hub in the fields of aeronautics and aviation, upstream and downstream space, and drones and urban air mobility. At the heart of the region of Zuid-Holland, over 260 companies, institutes, and organisations collaborate, employing nearly 9,000 highly skilled professionals in this sector. Thanks to the strength of its educational and research institutions, the region is also home to one of the largest sources of aerospace talent in Europe. Unmanned Valley, Aerospace Innovation Hub @TU Delft, and DronePort Rotterdam are eager to lead this ecosystem to international heights.
About DronePort Rotterdam
DronePort Rotterdam is evolving into a foundation jointly founded by the Port of Rotterdam and INSPIR8ION to drive the development of the autonomous and uncrewed intelligent systems industry. Situated at the strategic intersection of a port, airport, city, and region, we are forging a unified mobility ecosystem that breaks conventional barriers. Our ambition extends beyond drones, embracing a comprehensive approach that integrates autonomous and uncrewed intelligent systems across diverse environments while focusing on the vertical and horizontal integration of spatial layers. As we explore the building blocks of this synergy, our dedication to safety, sustainability, and societal progress remains paramount. In 2024, the foundation will release its agenda for 2024-2030, outlining strategic goals and initiatives. This compact and comprehensive plan will foster collaboration, innovation, and regulatory and policy development, establishing DronePort Rotterdam as a leading ecosystem for technology, education, and commercialisation, aligning with the Aerospace Delta Agenda 2030.
Source: Press Release