The Drones Innovation Weekend is a two-day event that brings together innovators, corporate developers, students and aerospace enthusiasts to address challenges related to the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the shared airspace. Teams compete against each other in a unique environment with the objective of developing solutions that are applicable to real-world issues.

The second edition will take place in Montreal, Canada on 09-10 November. During this event participants will have the opportunity to learn from aviation experts, network, and develop solutions that will aim to enable information and data exchange between unmanned and manned aircraft. Establishing such data provisions and exchange protocols are crucial for a unified Traffic Management System that supports an ecosystem of manned and unmanned aircraft.

You can select different challenges to participate in. First place prizes for winners include:

• CAD 2000.00 Cash Prize
  
• A 2-day pass for drone testing at Barcelona Drone Center
  

Participation in the IATA Drones Innovation Weekend is free but you need to meet the registration requirements indicated in the Terms & Conditions (pdf).

What will we provide?

• Break-out rooms where teams can work on their solution
• Relaxation areas for contestants to rest and recharge
  
• High speed Wi-Fi internet connection and power outlets
• cvomplimentary catering (meals, snacks and refreshment beverages) throughout the duration of the event
  
• On-site security and storage space for belongings
  

What will you need to do?

• Form your team, select a challenge and register for the event
  
• Bring your laptop and other electronic devices on the day of the event
  
• Arrange transportation to the venue
• Visa and travel arrangements as applicable
  
• Arrange hotel accomodation
  

The Drones Innovation Weekend competition will take part in two phases:

Phase 1 – Ideation (November 04-08):

The first phase will allow participants in the Drones Innovation Weekend to submit and discuss ideas using an online tool with a panel of experts who will act as virtual mentors. The goal is to allow the participants to adjust their ideas for the Innovation Weekend by receiving feedback from the mentors. Upon completion of registration, the participants will be sent an email with the Challenge contents, supporting documents and information, and access to the tool for the Ideation Phase. The participants will be invited to join an online meeting for the start of the Ideation Phase on 04 Novmeber 2019.

Phase 2 – Drones Innovation Weekend (November 09-10):

The second phase, which will be held from 09-10 November, 2019 in Montreal, will allow participants to further develop and pitch their ideas, designs and solutions. A Jury of experts will assess the participants' solutions and then select the winning teams.

To view the preliminary agenda for the Drones Innovation Weekend, click here (pdf).

​In order to participate in this competition, teams must select one of the challenges below to compete in. Click on the challenges below to view the detailed specifications:

• Challenge 1 - The Aviation Cloud
• Challenge 2 - Impact of Automation on Human Role

The IATA Drones Innovation Weekend is free to participate and open to all eligible participants who wish to be involved in the competition. If you are a developer, innovator, idea generator, tech designer, data analyst, subject matter expert or enthusiast in the aviation, drones or other related fields with at least three years of experience, you are eligible to register. 

By registering for the IATA Drones Innovation Weekend participants explicitly agree with the competition Terms & Conditions (pdf).

Registrations will be open from 17 September - 08 November, 2019.

The first IATA Drones Innovation Weekend took place on March 30-31 in Barcelona and was held at the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC).

Teams competed against each other to build proof-of-concept solutions for the safe operation and business impact of drones. On the second day, participants had the opportunity to visit the BCN Drone Center where they observed a test flight in segregated airspace.

The levels of engagement, creativity and competitive spirit on show were unparalleled. Thank you to all participants, partners and sponsors who made this event possible - we hope to see you at the next one!

View photos of the event

WINNING TEAM - DRONAMICS

The mission of DRONAMICS is to democratize airfreight and lower the cost of shipping in emerging markets. To fulfil this mission, they developed a business model that addresses the applicability of UAS operations for e-Commerce deliveries in Switzerland. The use case that was presented addressed various aspects including the actual drone manufacturing specifications, operational requirements and assessment of infrastructure solutions available today.

Team member(s): Ivet Arabadjieva

Website: https://dronamics.com

Contact: info@dronamics.com