AAM Collider

About the Event

Ohio's Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry is growing at an unprecedented rate thanks to investments by the U.S. Air Force, Department of Transportation, and NASA in programs like Agility Prime, DriveOhio, FlyOhio, Ohio UAS Center, the Ohio Federal Research Network and the NASA National Campaign. Now, Ohio is poised to lead this third revolution in flight by leveraging its many years’ experience working with Unmanned Aerial Systems and related technologies and collaborating with its statewide investments, including SkyVision, Remote Towers, and UAS Traffic Management.

The April 29th AAM Research and Transition Collider was co-hosted by the Ohio Federal Research Network, JobsOhio, DriveOhio, FlyOhio, and the Ohio UAS Center. The collider provided attendees the unique opportunity to connect with supply chain vendors, Original Equipment Manufacturers and innovative AAM research and development conducted by academia and small businesses in Ohio.

Tailored for Industry & Academia

The AAM industry represents the growth and attraction of many new jobs to Ohio, including but not limited to research and development and science and technology innovation; testing; manufacturing; maintenance, repair, and overhaul; and operators.

Furthermore, Ohio’s state-of-the-art science, engineering, and research universities, which rank among the best in the United States, are developing the next generation of AAM expertise and innovation. Such student talent that attended the event engaged in discussions on workforce and employment opportunities with leading organizations supporting AAM development, such as the Ohio Department of Transportation and JobsOhio.

The Collider also showcased the virtual booths of 65 Ohio academic organizations and companies that work with AAM-related technologies. The booths provided Collider attendees networking, teaming discussions and partnership development opportunities across government, academia, and industry.

Download company participant quad charts, here:

Collider speaker lineup:  

The Collider speaker lineup featured some of the biggest names and thought leadership in the AAM industry who discussed a variety of topics, including leading-edge AAM technologies, Airspace Management, Command & Control, Communications, Power & Energy Storage, Propulsion, and Sensors & Awareness.  

These speakers include: 

Colonel Nathan Diller, Director, AFWERX 

Listen to Colonel Diller’s opening remarks on how AFWERX is expanding technology, talent, and transition partnerships for rapid and affordable commercial and military capability for the United States Air Force, here. 

Joesph Zeis, Senior Advisor for Aerospace & Defense for the Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, State of Ohio 

Listen to Joseph discuss the Ohio Aerospace and Defense Strategy and how it aims to reinforce the four pillars and set the foundation for the Ohio Mobility Strategy Brief, here. 

Tim Sweeney, Director, Advanced Manufacturing & Aerospace, JobsOhio and Fred Judson, Director, DriveOhio UAS Center 

Listen to Tim and Fred discuss the JobsOhio and FlyOhio Mobility Strategy and their vision for Ohio’s future industry landscape related to Smart Mobility, here.

Kevin Rustagi, Director of Business Development, LIFT Aircraft 

Listen to Kevin discuss LIFT Aircraft’s experience as an Agility Prime original equipment manufacturer and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs awardee, here. LIFT Aircraft is a leader in flying orb technology and is based in Austin, Texas.  

Experts on AAM from  LIFT Aircraft, Joby Aviation, Kitty Hawk, BETA Technologies, and Hyundai Motor Group 

Listen to leading AAM companies discuss the research and development requirements for AAM viability and the future of AAM, here. 

Dr. Matthew Deans, NASA SBIR/STTR Program Post Phase II Lead, NASA Glenn Research Center 

Listen to Dr. Deans discuss NASA’s federal funding opportunities for AAM science and technology development and research, here. 

Joey Angeles, Director, USAF SBIR/STTR Program, presented on USAF STTR funding opportunities and opportunities to connect small businesses and academia to address program tech requirements.  

Lisa R. Sanders, Director of Science & Technology, United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), presented on USSOCOM SBIR/STTR funding opportunities and opportunities to connect small businesses and academia to address program tech requirements.   

Event Impact 

Event Impact

The Collider reached a statewide audience with over 350 attendees, 65 virtual booths, 3,035 total booth visits, and 455 livestream viewers.  

Be sure to join the Ohio Federal Research Network newsletter to stay up to date with future events related to AAM in Ohio and Ohio science and technology research and development opportunities. Join our mailing list by visiting the homepage, here.