By Tim Ryan
At Innovate Hampton Roads, we’re thrilled to (again) spotlight DroneUp, a Virginia Beach-based trailblazer, as they soar to new heights in transforming emergency medical care. Their latest venture in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, is a game-changer: drones delivering life-saving medical supplies through 911 dispatch, a project that underscores Hampton Roads’ role as a hub for cutting-edge innovation. This isn’t just about drones—it’s about saving lives and showcasing our region’s entrepreneurial spirit to the world.
The Drone814 initiative, powered by DroneUp’s flight operations, is set to launch test flights in July and August 2025, dispatching drones carrying EpiPens, Narcan, defibrillators, and more to remote areas around Johnstown, Pa. In rugged terrains where ambulances take 15-20 minutes to arrive, DroneUp’s drones can cover eight miles in minutes, guided by 911 operators who instruct callers on using the supplies. This rapid response could slash emergency wait times, improving patient outcomes and proving drones are more than gadgets—they’re lifesavers.
Why does this matter to Hampton Roads? DroneUp’s success is our success. Their work in Pennsylvania builds on their local triumphs, like the medical delivery program with Riverside Health System on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. That project, backed by ReInvent Hampton Roads, delivered medications to rural patients and completed a 17-mile flight to Tangier Island in just 16 minutes. These milestones highlight how our region’s innovators are solving real-world problems, from healthcare access to emergency response, while creating high-tech jobs and economic growth.
For our entrepreneurs, students, and innovators, DroneUp’s story is a call to action. Their FAA Part 135 certification and BVLOS approvals show what’s possible when vision meets persistence. Hampton Roads is a launchpad for bold ideas, and DroneUp’s global impact—from Pennsylvania to Michigan—proves our region can lead in aerospace and logistics. This is your invitation to dream big, collaborate, and tap into our ecosystem of support through Innovate Hampton Roads.
As DroneUp redefines emergency care, they’re also elevating Hampton Roads’ reputation as an innovation powerhouse. Let’s celebrate their flightpath and inspire the next wave of local changemakers. Stay tuned for more stories of how our community is shaping the future—one drone at a time.
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