Our mission
The unmanned systems industry is expanding across defense, public safety, agriculture, and infrastructure. Qualified operators, technicians, and systems professionals are in short supply across every one of them. Skills, standards, and talent pathways have not keep pace.
UFI addresses that gap by funding certifications, organizing industry-judged competitions, and building university partnerships that connect students and emerging professionals directly to employers. We do not place candidates or charge fees. We build the structure that makes the connections possible.
Unmanned Futures Institute is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, EIN: 41-3641601. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Who UFI Works with
Students and Emerging Professionals
UFI programs are open to college students and recent graduates who want to enter the unmanned systems field. No prior experience is required.
Programs cover FAA Part 107 certification, hands-on flight training, and team-based industry competitions.
Educators and Mentors
UFI works with universities and instructors who want to support emerging UxS talent.
Contact us to discuss program hosting, curriculum support, or guest instruction.
Industry Partners
Companies can fund training cycles, sponsor competitions, provide equipment and software for lab use, and participate
in hiring events connected to UFI programs. See our Partner With Us page for specifics.
Government and Public Safety Partners
Agencies can contribute use cases, provide instructors, shape training priorities, and engage with participants through demonstrations and events.
Leadership Team
UFI is led by a team with experience across defense, government, and strategic communications.
Jason Bowers
Executive Director;
Director, Strategy & Partnerships
24-year Marine Corps officer with extensive background in unmanned systems testing, development, and program management across defense industry and early stage defense technology companies.
Justin Anderson
Director,
Government & Public Safety Partnerships
20+ year law enforcement officer with experience across SWAT, K9, and tactical operations, certified drone operator and department instructor with firsthand perspective on unmanned systems deployment in public safety.
Kelly Bowers
Director,
Communications and Media Outreach
Background in healthcare with experience translating complex programs into clear, accessible messaging for diverse audiences, supporting UFI’s student engagement and partner outreach.
Our Roadmap
Year 1 (2026)
Launch college and emerging professional track. FAA Part 107 certification and first Mission-Ready UxS Challenge competition.
Target: 1-3 university partnerships, 50+ certifications, 10+ internship introductions.
Year 2 (2027)
Expand to 5-10 universities. Add agricultural technology competition
track. Begin K-12 STEM programming.
Target: 200+ certifications, 3 competitions, 50+ internship introductions.
Year 3 (2028)
National program footprint. Full-spectrum coverage across defense, agriculture, public safety, and infrastructure sectors.
Target: 500+ certifications annually.