Commanding the Future of Autonomous Technology
Virginia is at the forefront of the uncrewed systems industry, and Virginia Beach is its undisputed epicenter. With unmatched access to coastal infrastructure, top-tier engineering talent, and a thriving innovation ecosystem, Virginia Beach is the premier location for companies advancing air, land, sea, and space autonomous technologies.
A Proven Nucleus of Uncrewed Systems Innovation
While other cities are gearing up for the uncrewed future, Virginia Beach is already leading it. Our city is home to a growing concentration of uncrewed systems pioneers, including DroneUp, Huntington Ingalls Technical Solutions, Hush Aerospace, Spatial Integrated Systems, ICI Services Corp., and PrecisionHawk.
Backed by a robust ecosystem of manufacturers, defense contractors, and advanced tech firms, Virginia Beach brings together the industry expertise, energy, and collaboration to shape what’s next in autonomy—from first flight to full-scale deployment.
A Workforce Built for Uncrewed Systems
Virginia Beach is home to a future-ready talent pipeline that fuels innovation across the uncrewed systems industry.
- Each year, our strong military presence transitions thousands of highly trained veterans into the regional workforce—many with direct experience in aviation, maritime operations, engineering, and mission-critical logistics.
- Our region’s own Old Dominion University is home to the Virginia Institute for Spaceflight and Autonomy, a key hub for uncrewed systems research, simulation, and advanced training.
- Nearby university, Virginia Tech, an FAA-designated UAS test site, leads cutting-edge research in autonomous systems and flight technology.
- Specialized programs in engineering, robotics, aerospace, and systems design across the region ensure a skilled workforce that supports innovation and industry growth.
Explore how we help employers recruit through our workforce development resources.
Fully Invested in Uncrewed Systems
Beyond supporting uncrewed systems, the Commonwealth of Virginia is actively invested in the industry—directly empowering Virginia Beach’s leadership.
Through the Virginia Uncrewed Systems Center at VIPC, the Commonwealth provides funding, policy support, and testing coordination to help companies in Virginia Beach scale innovation.
Learn about additional support and business incentives available to uncrewed systems companies.
World-Class Testing and Research Facilities
Virginia Beach offers unmatched access to premier uncrewed systems testing grounds—giving companies the platform to innovate faster, test smarter, and bring next-gen autonomous technologies to market with confidence.
- NASA Langley Research Center collaborates directly with uncrewed systems stakeholders, providing vital system validation, data sharing, and access to a 100-acre autonomous vehicle testing range.
- Wallops Island UAS Test Site features the longest UAS-specific runway in the U.S., offering a secure, unobstructed environment with direct launch access to the Atlantic Ocean.