help our Cause

A)  Unsung Hero – Awarded to a more senior individual who exemplifies selfless dedication to the advancement of emerging aviation technology. Please think carefully about ongoing contributions that do not make headlines but are critical to the mission.

a.  Must have continuously worked in the greater UAS / AAM industry full-time since at least December 31, 2017.

b.  Open to all genders.

c.  Open to business support departments such as administrative, finance, accounting, legal, or regulatory roles.

B)  Fresh Face – Awarded to a more junior individual who exemplifies bold enthusiasm to accelerate access to emerging aviation technology for broad public benefit. The intent with this award is to acknowledge the importance of youthful advocacy.

a.  Must have continuously worked in the greater UAS / AAM industry full-time since at least August 20, 2022 but not have started working in the any earlier than January 1, 2018.

b.  Open to all genders.

c.  Focused on identifying those engaged in advocacy of STEM education, environmental sustainability, or human rights.

d.  Seeking nominations for teachers, journalists, and activists.

C)  Bright Idea – Awarded to an inventor who developed and successfully secured protection of a novel idea as Intellectual Property (IP) that shows promise as a widely adopted element of emerging aviation technology.

a.  Must cite valid IP within the greater UAS / AAM industry that was secured on or after January 1, 2018.

b.  Not limited to strictly aerospace engineering patents.

c.  Open to all genders but preference for female inventors.

d.  Seeking nominations for IP that increases public confidence in the ongoing safety or security of operating systems.

D)  Grassroots – Awarded to a Team who is a known driving force behind increased public awareness and ultimately, public trust. Through original marketing and strategic communications, this Team is making new believers in emerging aviation technology.

a.  Must not have started working in the greater UAS / AAM industry full-time any earlier than January 1, 2018.

b.  Intent is to highlight the efforts of diverse Teams that include members from underrepresented communities, females, and military veterans.

c.  Focused on identifying those engaged in advocacy of first responder / public safety use cases.

d.  Seeking nominations for schools, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

NOTE: Individual candidates and a single representative for the Grassroots Team category who are selected for recognition will receive one (1) complimentary ticket ($295 value) to the Awards Dinner in Washington DC. Travel arrangements and lodging expenses are the responsibility of all in attendance. Honorees who are not able to attend the awards ceremony in person may coordinate for their trophy to be shipped to their office or home address at a later date.