Teacher to Tinkerer: Travis Claypool Wins Gold at the CubePilot After Party at XPONENTIAL 2025

By DRONELIFE Contributing Editor Paul Rossi

At XPONENTIAL 2025, amidst the cutting-edge technology and UAV innovation, one unforgettable moment stood out – when Travis Claypool, a UAV engineer with SPH Engineering, walked away from the CubePilot after party with a gold-plated Cube Red flight controller in hand. But this wasn’t just about a lucky raffle – it was a moment that symbolized Travis’ journey from educator to engineer and CubePilot’s impact on the global drone ecosystem.

The Legacy of CubePilot

CubePilot is the company behind the open-source Cube flight controllers, widely recognized for their versatility and reliability across commercial, industrial, and academic UAV applications. Developed out of the original Pixhawk project, CubePilot’s ecosystem has grown into a cornerstone of the DIY drone and professional UAV sectors.

Their mission is clear: empower innovation through open architecture, offering robust, adaptable autopilot solutions that can serve as the brain of everything from delivery drones to academic research platforms. With a vibrant user base and an emphasis on transparency and flexibility, CubePilot has built a global community around exploration, reliability, and continuous advancement.

So when CubePilot throws an after party, people show up – and this year in Houston, it paid off big for one lucky guest.

A UAV Career Rooted in Family and Curiosity

Travis Claypool’s journey into drones didn’t start in a lab or a startup – it started in his grandfather’s garage.

“My grandfather was a civil engineer and often looked after me and my brother,” Travis shared. “We’d watch him build things, and if we were good, we earned some computer time. He had a deep love for emerging technology, and UAVs are how I carry that curiosity forward.”

That spirit of building and tinkering eventually led Travis to teach aerospace engineering, where he inspired students to look beyond textbooks by showcasing real job postings during class. Ironically, one of those postings eventually inspired his own leap. “I realized I was ready to get off the sidelines and start building again,” he said.

A Night to Remember at The Rustic

The CubePilot after party at The Rustic in Houston was buzzing with energy, and it didn’t take much to get Travis there. 

“The phrase ‘free drinks and free food’ was all the convincing I needed,” he joked. “CubePilot always has great gear, strong energy, and memorable swag. My buddy is still bragging about a power adapter he got from last year.”

As the night wound down, Travis was headed for the door when friends convinced him to hang back for the raffle. “I never win these things,” he said. But as fate would have it, standing near the exit gave him a front-row seat when his number was called. “I couldn’t believe it. It still doesn’t feel real.”

More Than a Trophy – A Symbol of Innovation

For Travis, the gold-plated Cube Red isn’t just a prize – it’s a symbol. “This represents the hard work of so many brilliant people,” he said. “It’s a reminder of the innovation that others have built and that we continue to build on. I feel lucky to be a part of that process.”

Though Travis has worked on many drones with Cube controllers under the hood, this will be the first one he’s owned himself. And he plans to put it to good use. “This Cube is gonna fly,” he promised. “I’m working on concepts that use AI and real-time internet connectivity for autonomous decision-making in flight. The last winner of this Cube built something amazing – I’ve got big shoes to fill.”

Championing Open-Source and the UAV Community

Travis’ passion for open-source UAV development is rooted in his belief in shared knowledge.

“Everything I’ve learned in this space has been built on the generosity of others,” he explained. “It’s like the 3D printing world – sharing improvements drives progress. Closed ecosystems eventually alienate power users. Open-source keeps innovation alive.”

His advice for newcomers in the drone world is humble and grounded: “The only thing you can count on when your drone’s in the air is gravity. Don’t get too comfortable – stay curious and keep pushing the boundaries.”

And what excites him most about the industry today? “It’s the people,” he said. “The challenges are fascinating, but it’s the community that makes it worthwhile.”

A Shoutout to the Unsung Heroes

Before wrapping up, Travis had a special message for a group often overlooked: the marketing team. “I heard at least half a dozen folks at the event say, ‘I’m just in marketing.’ Please don’t sell yourself short,” he said. “You’re superheroes – connecting people to the tech we all love. Keep up the great work!”

Looking Ahead

With a golden Cube now in his hands and new projects on the horizon, Travis Claypool embodies the spirit of curiosity and collaboration that drives the UAV industry forward. His story is a testament to how inspiration, opportunity, and community come together – and sometimes, all it takes is sticking around for one more raffle.

Read more:

• High Stakes Debate at XPONENTIAL: How Security Policy Is Shaping the Future of Drone Innovation
• Ascent AeroSystems and Gremsy Form Strategic Collaboration at XPONENTIAL 2025
• Jim VandeHei at XPONENTIAL: Why Innovators Can’t Ignore Washington

Paul Rossi, US Army Veteran, is the President at Nine Ten Drones, a N. C.-based drone services company, training center, and reseller. A graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and the U.S. Army Aviation Logistics School, Rossi is passionate about the aviation industry.  He holds both a Private Pilot’s License w/ Instrument Rating for manned aircraft and a Part 107 Remote Pilot’s Certificate.  Rossi is currently studying for his MS Space Operations from ERAU, energized to expand his reach beyond Earth’s atmosphere. You can see more videos and product information on the Nine Ten Drones YouTube channel and connect with Paul on LinkedIn.com