By Tim Ryan
Hey, innovators and trailblazers of Hampton Roads! At Innovate Hampton Roads, we’re all about spotlighting the game-changers right here in our backyard who are pushing boundaries and shaping the future. Today, we’re buzzing (pun intended) about DroneUp, the Virginia Beach-born powerhouse that’s not just revolutionizing drone delivery but now leading the national conversation on airspace security. As a former naval officer and CEO Tom Walker steps up to Congress, it’s a thrilling reminder of how our local startups can influence policy, protect our nation, and supercharge economic growth. Let’s dive into this high-flying story and see why it’s a win for every entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, and community member in the 757.
Founded in 2016 right here in Virginia Beach, DroneUp has skyrocketed from a scrappy startup to a national leader in drone technology. Remember those early days we covered? They built the world’s largest drone services network, snagged FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certification, and launched massive delivery operations serving nearly four million households across six states. From pioneering $7 affordable deliveries with patented tech to smashing records with 500 deliveries a day (up to 40 per hour with 10-pound payloads), DroneUp has been the heartbeat of Hampton Roads’ innovation ecosystem. We’ve cheered their FAA approvals for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations and Unmanned Traffic Management systems, their pivot from the Walmart partnership into healthcare revolutions—like emergency medical deliveries in Pennsylvania—and even partnerships with Volatus Aerospace for cargo transformations. These milestones aren’t just wins for DroneUp; they’ve positioned Hampton Roads as a drone innovation hub, creating jobs, attracting talent, and inspiring the next wave of startups in AI, logistics, and autonomous tech.
But now, DroneUp is tackling something even bigger: the looming threats to our skies. In a riveting congressional hearing before the House Homeland Security Subcommittee, CEO Tom Walker delivered a wake-up call, warning of “imminent catastrophic drone attacks on U.S. soil” due to inadequate detection and response systems. Drawing from his naval background, Walker highlighted alarming stats: over 411 illegal drone incursions near U.S. airports in Q1 2025 (a 25.6% spike from last year), 350+ unauthorized flights over military bases like Langley AFB, and 3,000 drone sightings over power plants in just two years. He pointed to real-world chaos, like a drone colliding with a rescue helicopter during Texas floods, forcing an emergency landing and disrupting lifesaving operations.
Walker’s message? It’s not a tech problem—solutions exist. He urged Congress to act before federal counter-drone authority expires in September, calling for a unified national framework: real-time flight info exchanges, cryptographic digital credentials binding pilots to drones, and expanded authority for local law enforcement. In his Fox News op-ed, he doubled down: “Drones have evolved from novelties into critical infrastructure—and now, one of the fastest-growing threats to national security. We can protect our skies before the next incident becomes a tragedy.” He stressed fusing radar, RF, and acoustic data for a single surveillance picture, echoing global lessons from Ukraine’s long-range drone strikes and China’s dominance in the market.
For us in Hampton Roads, this isn’t just national news—it’s local pride and opportunity. DroneUp’s advocacy spotlights our region’s expertise, from naval influences at Langley to tech incubators fostering AI-driven solutions. It means safer skies for everyone, but also economic boosters: more investment in drone R&D, job creation in cybersecurity and logistics, and a blueprint for entrepreneurs navigating regulated industries. Imagine the ripple effects—startups here could lead in counter-drone tech, smart city integrations, or even drone-enabled disaster response, turning challenges into billion-dollar ventures.
As Walker puts it, “The technology is ready. The risks are growing. We no longer have the luxury of delay.”
This moment underscores DroneUp’s journey: from overcoming regulatory hurdles and market pivots to testifying on Capitol Hill. It’s proof that Hampton Roads innovators don’t just adapt—they lead. Whether you’re a founder dreaming big or a resident eyeing the future, DroneUp’s story inspires us to think bolder. Stay tuned as we track their next moves—who knows, the next airspace breakthrough could come from your garage!
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