The UND Center for Innovation is thrilled to announce a major milestone for Project RuralReach, a $1 million initiative funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and led by the University of North Dakota. This groundbreaking project is entering the skies with a bold mission: to develop a statewide UAS (Uncrewed Aircraft Systems) commercialization strategy and conduct an in-depth economic impact study.
Now in the implementation phase, Project RuralReach is partnering with three innovative vendors to launch UAS demonstration projects across the state. Each company will conduct Use Case Tests to explore real-world applications of drone technology that could transform industries and strengthen rural communities.
Meet The Companies
Use Case Test #1: iSight & RPV Services – Rural Delivery Use Case
- Location: Western North Dakota
- Focus: Testing drone delivery of medical supplies in remote areas
- Test Flights Begin: July 2025
Use Case Test #2: Botlink, Dunlevy Consulting & Utah State’s AggieAir – Sustainable Power Use Case
- Location: Southeast North Dakota
- Focus: Extending UAS operational range through sustainable technologies
- Test Flights Begin: August 2025
Use Case Test #3: Censys Technologies – Emergency Response Use Case
- Location: Northeast North Dakota
- Focus: Utilizing drones for disaster response and situational awareness
- Test Flights Begin: Mid-August 2025
These pilot projects are more than test flights; they’re bold steps toward a smarter, more connected, and more resilient North Dakota.
Supporting Rural & Coal-Impacted Communities
Project RuralReach is funded through the EDA’s American Rescue Plan and Coal Communities Commitment, a federal effort to invest in economic transformation for regions historically dependent on coal and other energy industries. North Dakota is uniquely positioned to lead this charge, thanks to Vantis, the nation’s first and only statewide BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) network for drones.
By tapping into North Dakota’s UAS infrastructure and innovation ecosystem, Project RuralReach is working to:
- Accelerate UAS commercialization across key industries
- Foster job creation and economic resilience
- Expand access to advanced technologies in rural communities
Powered by Collaboration
This project wouldn’t be possible without the support of our exceptional partners:
- UND School of Aerospace Sciences
- UND Research Institute for Autonomous Systems (RIAS)
- UND Institute for Policy and Business Analytics (IPBA)
- Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS)
- The State of North Dakota
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for:
- Behind-the-scenes looks at the upcoming UAS flight demonstrations
- Initial findings from the economic impact study
- Opportunities to engage with the future of unmanned systems in North Dakota
Whether you’re a policymaker, entrepreneur, or tech enthusiast, Project RuralReach invites you to be part of the journey to revolutionize how rural America connects, responds, and thrives.
For more information – reach out to jeff.b@innovators.net