North Dakota is home to Vantis, the nation's first statewide uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) network. Vantis allows drones to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), opening the door to innovative uses across industries like agriculture, energy, and transportation. This capability makes North Dakota a national leader in UAS technology and positions the state at the forefront of the autonomous systems era.
To further unlock Vantis' potential, the North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF) has approved the creation of a state-owned entity to commercialize the network. This move aims to generate revenue for the state, attract new business partnerships, and propel the development of digital aviation services.
Supported by strong infrastructure, a vibrant UAS ecosystem, and collaboration with both industry and the military, North Dakota’s leadership in autonomous systems is solidified by initiatives like Vantis. As commercialization efforts progress, the state continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the UAS field.