The Future of the Drone and UAM Industry in Italy

DronItaly 2024, held from October 9-11 in Bologna, has solidified its position as Italy’s premier event for the professional civilian drone sector. Organized by BolognaFiere Water&Energy (BFWE), the event attracted more than 40 exhibitors and approximately 40,000 visitors, thanks in part to concurrent events like Fueling Tomorrow, SAIE, and Asphaltica. This year’s edition emphasized the crucial role of research, innovation, and collaboration in advancing drone technology and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in Italy.

Key Highlights and Innovations at DronItaly 2024

Access to PNRR Funds for Innovation
 
A significant theme was the opportunity for companies to leverage €9 million still available from the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) funds. These funds are earmarked to support innovation projects, particularly in drone technology and UAM, encouraging companies to contribute to Italy's technological advancement.

Major Participants and Pioneers in UAM and AAM

EHang made a notable impact with the unveiling of its EH216-S pilotless eVTOL, marking a milestone in UAM for Italy. The aircraft showcases the potential for autonomous passenger transport and highlights the country's readiness to embrace advanced air mobility solutions.

eVertiSKY, under CEO Sandra Formenton, showcased innovations in vertiport design and airspace management. Their holistic approach positions them as key players in creating sustainable and integrated urban air mobility ecosystems.

Bluenest by Globalvia, led by Dr. Jose Ignacio Rodriguez, emphasized their advancements in vertiport operations and aerial logistics. As a Platinum Sponsor, Bluenest demonstrated their commitment to shaping the future of air transport through interoperable and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Paola Olivares, Director of the Drones and Advanced Air Mobility Observatory at Politecnico di Milano, played a significant role in highlighting the progress and future trajectory of the Italian drone sector. Her participation underscored the critical need for investment in research and development within the drone industry, particularly in the areas of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

 Innovation Hub Round Table

 The "Innovation Hub" Round Table at the ConventionHUB was a focal point for discussing advanced research and technology applied to drones. Participants included:

- Mirco Biasi, CTO of Widdel

- Emanuele Rossi, DIME Researcher

- Alberto Landini, Senior Project Manager at STAM S.r.l.

- Giorgio Biasi, CEO of FlyValue Srl

- Mattia Romani, Sole Director of Fitobiotech

- Frederick Dionisi, CEO of Zerowire Wireless Power Solutions

- Nicola Di Luca, CEO of Ecodrone

These industry leaders presented their innovative projects and patented technologies, highlighting advancements in areas such as AI integration, wireless power solutions, environmental monitoring, and sustainable applications of drone technology.

 The Levi-Montalcini Foundation Project

 A visionary project was unveiled by the Levi-Montalcini Foundation: the L-MF Exhibition and Research Center in honor of Nobel Prize laureate Rita Levi-Montalcini. Presented at the ConventionHUB, the eco-sustainable and technologically advanced center is designed by the renowned Giancarlo Zema Design Group. Notably, it will be the world's first museum equipped with a vertiport for the take-off of electric passenger drones. Ing. Piera Levi-Montalcini, President of the Foundation, emphasized that the project is a social initiative aimed at inspiring new generations through science and innovation.

 Research, Application, and Growth in the Drone Sector

The event showcased numerous applications of drone technology across various sectors:

- Poste Italiane and Leonardo's "Minor Islands Pilot Service" project demonstrated the use of drones for cargo transport to remote areas, highlighting efficiency in logistics and the potential for expanding such services.

- Carlo Costa, Technical Director General of A22 Autostrada del Brennero, discussed using drones for infrastructure maintenance and traffic management, showcasing drones' role in enhancing safety and operational efficiency on highways.

- Ecodrone, led by Nicola Di Luca, presented their work in environmental monitoring and protection, utilizing drones for sustainable agricultural practices and ecological conservation.

- Inspire S.R.L., a spin-off from the University of Genoa, showcased their M.A.R.S. (Multiple Airdrones Response System), an autonomous platform enabling 24/7 drone servicing. The system supports various industries by providing seamless, scalable drone operations tailored for tasks like forest fire monitoring.

 International Participation and Collaborations

 For the first time, DronItaly hosted companies from countries such as South Korea, Germany, Spain, and the USA, reflecting the event's growing international significance and Italy's expanding role in the global drone industry.

 Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) Participation

 DronItaly 2024 also marked the first-time participation of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), reflecting the event’s growing international presence. KOTRA facilitated the participation of several South Korean drone companies, which showcased their cutting-edge technologies, including autonomous systems, aerial surveillance, and logistics drones. These companies engaged in discussions on potential collaborations, market entry strategies, and the integration of Korean innovations into the Italian drone landscape, further enhancing DronItaly’s global relevance.

 Leonardo Drone Contest 2024

 The Leonardo Drone Contest, in its fifth edition, continued to promote innovation in unmanned systems and artificial intelligence. By collaborating with seven prestigious Italian universities, the contest fosters an ecosystem that brings together large companies, SMEs, start-ups, and academic institutions to advance drone technology.

 The Future of the Drone and UAM Industry in Italy

 DronItaly 2024 underscored Italy's growing influence as a pivotal player in the drone and urban air mobility (UAM) sectors. Backed by robust public investment, particularly through PNRR funds, and a thriving culture of innovation, the nation is positioning itself as a global leader in these transformative industries. Public-private collaboration has emerged as a key driver, enabling the rapid development of cutting-edge technologies that address urban challenges while fostering sustainable growth.

 Leading companies like eVertiSKY, Bluenest by Globalvia, Leonardo, and EHang are at the forefront, pushing forward innovative solutions that are set to redefine urban transportation, logistics, and infrastructure management. These companies are not only harnessing the power of AI, machine learning, and automation, but they are also integrating environmentally sustainable design principles. This commitment ensures that Italy’s drone and UAM advancements are both technologically groundbreaking and socially responsible, creating value for cities, businesses, and communities.

 However, there is a growing sense of awareness in Italy that, despite these advancements, the country lags behind some of its European counterparts in terms of the maturity and development of its drone ecosystem. Countries like Spain and Germany have made significant strides in drone regulatory frameworks and industry infrastructure. This recognition is fueling further efforts to accelerate growth, innovate faster, and close the gap with other leading European nations.

DronItaly 2024 provided a comprehensive showcase of the industry’s current state and the trajectory it is set to follow in the coming years. The event highlighted that Italy is no longer just a participant in the global drone revolution—it is actively leading it. The discussions, partnerships, and innovations presented at the event lay a strong foundation for future growth, ensuring that Italy remains at the cutting edge of drone technology and urban air mobility for years to come.