AUVSI XPONENTIAL’s Inaugural Humanitarian Awards, Sponsored by DJI

AUVSI XPONENTIAL, the drone trade show taking place in Colorado at the end of April, has announced that it will be holding the first ever AUVSI XCELLENCE Humanitarian Awards. The Humanitarian Awards are being launched to recognize individuals or organizations using unmanned systems to save lives, improve health and relieve hardship and suffering.

AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2018 will exhibit more than 725 autonomous-tech companies from around the world, as well as holding educational sessions for industry stakeholders. Market leader DJI is sponsoring the inaugural award.

“DJI embodies the spirit and intent of the Humanitarian Awards as it strives to create transforming and complex technology into easy-to-use devices that save time, money and, mostly importantly, lives,” said Brian Wynne, president and CEO of AUVSI.

“We are pleased to partner with such a dynamic and innovative company whose cutting-edge products are being used for many humanitarian missions.”

Read more: How Many Lives Have Drones Actually Saved? More Than You Think

AUVSI Humanitarian Awards: Nominations are open

The new AUVSI XCELLENCE Awards program has been set up to honor innovators in the industry,  highlighting operations using unmanned systems to improve the human condition.

Think you know of an application, individual or organization that fits that description? Nominations are now open. AUVSI is looking for five organizations and/or individuals that have made a significant impact using unmanned systems as part of humanitarian or philanthropic efforts.

Submission details and donation information can be found on the AUVSI XCELLENCE Award page. Winners will be announced during the Day 3 keynote on May 3rd. Applications need to be in by Wednesday, February 21st.

Award winners will be given a total of $25,000.

Read more: Ocean Alliance: Drones, Whales & Intel

“Drones are being used around the world today in incredible and meaningful ways, and we want to take this opportunity to honor and reward the organizations and individuals that have used this technology for humanitarian good – from supporting search-and-rescue efforts that save lives to enabling research endeavors that strengthen global sustainability and development goals,” said Michael Perry, managing director, North America at DJI.

“We are thrilled to partner with AUVSI on this initiative to showcase and celebrate remarkable stories and applications with the world in hopes that it will inspire further use of drone technology for humanitarian good.”

In addition to the Humanitarian Award, the AUVSI XCELLENCE Awards will feature three other categories that recognize people and organizations leading the way in Technology Innovation, Training and Education, and Operation and Safety.