Various airspace management companies and the Michigan Technological Research Institute (MTRI) are bringing long-distance drone testing operations to the eastern Upper Peninsula.
The team's goal is to better understand how drones could be used for emergency responses, infrastructure inspection and logistics.
"I hope it goes very well because there aren't many places for doing long-distance drone operations in the US, especially in the Midwest," said Colin Brooks, chief research scientist at MTRI.
MTRI is leading data analytics for the initiative, and is contributing its understanding of operating drones in Michigan.
Brent Klavon is with ANRA Technologies, one of the companies on the program. He says operations for this program will be based at Chippewa County International Airport, and many of the drones will be remotely operated through online software.
The new partnership comes just months after an executive order was signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in July 2025, which established the Michigan Advanced Air Mobility Initiative. This order lays a foundation for growth in air mobility and expanding drone operations across the state.
This initiative is made up of various companies and organizations, including Michigan Tech Research Institute (MTRI), Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC), Censys Technologies and Precision Approach.
Klavon said that CCEDC has helped ANRA find the right stakeholders, and are hosting the operations center at the airport.
“We’re especially excited to host ANRA’s Operating Picture at the Chippewa County International Airport (CIU)," Chris Olsen, President of CCEDC said in a press release. He added that this will establish "a local hub for real-time drone traffic coordination and regional airspace management.”
Censys Technologies will bring their expertise on securing regulatory approvals for drone operations.
"We’re honored to be part of a project that pairs innovation with regional purpose.” Trevor Perrott, CEO of Censys Technologies, said in the press release.
There will be a team of four people from MTRI looking to develop drone applications. The team plans to get drones in the air in 2026.
