The DronePrep team is excited to announce that Karina Nasretdinova has joined DronePrep as Innovation Lead.

With a background in aviation and innovation, Karina brings a wealth of expertise in the international autonomous vehicle market. She has a deep understanding of the challenges facing the UAV sector.

Starting her career in commercial aviation, Karina found a passion for emerging technologies within the sector. In 2016, she became a co-founder of WATTS Future Technologies. The start-up is aiming to revolutionise wireless charging in both consumer electronics and the autonomous vehicle sector. The goal of the project is to equip all infrastructure with wireless charging stations: from ground transportation to new types of aircraft. This will contribute significantly to the overall development of the electric transport ecosystem.

Karina has worked with a leading British eVTOL company. In 2019 she completed an in-depth analysis of the urban air mobility market.

Outside of the “day job”, Karina is an avid videographer. She is also a keen storyteller with a passion for documentary filmmaking. She hopes to document the progress of world-changing technologies in aviation and to tell the stories behind the projects.

Karina will support co-founder Gareth Whatmore in the Innovation team.

“I’m really excited to join DronePrep. It’s a company which is not just focused on commercial gain, but rather on the growth of the entire sector. I’m looking forward to being part of the innovation team and providing great opportunities to drone companies and eVTOLs across the world.”

 

– Karina Nasretdinova, Innovation Lead, DronePrep

Finding suitable sites for drone operations can be a challenging task. With £65M in investment now available through the Future Flight Phase 3 competition, companies submitting applications should consider Bradford Estates in the West Midlands. The estate has just opened to applications for drone flight through its Drone Access Policy. The site offers an ideal location for carrying out drone research and testing.

Bradford Estates has recently signed up to a Drone Access Policy for three unique areas of their site. The estate is located on the border of Shropshire and Staffordshire.

Just over 3,000 acres – one-quarter of the 12,000-acre site – will be available for drone R&D projects. Bradford Estates has adopted a progressive approach to encourage innovation in the region.

The sites feature majority arable land, with access to secure storage, power, and both outdoor and indoor facilities.

Located away from major airports, the quiet airspace could provide the perfect solution for anyone looking for outdoor testing sites.

The site is located just 30 miles northwest of Birmingham and is easily accessible from the M54 and M6.

As a forward thinking business, we welcome the advancement of technology. We are therefore keen to entertain proposals to use Bradford Estates land to assist in the development of drones and robots. We are happy to provide a bespoke package tailored to the needs of the individual project and look forward to welcoming you to Bradford Estates!

–  Rob Paul, Estates Director

Bradford Estates is open to R&D opportunities, click the link below to see their full Access Policy.

For further details of this and other available sites contact DronePrep: [email protected]

Bradford Estates R&D Drone Access Policy

DronePrep is delighted to represent the UK at the World of Drones & Robotics Congress 2021. This is our second year, with Co-Founder & CTO Claire Owen also asked to speak at the event on 18-19 August.

This year’s congress will be held both online and in-person at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Australia. DronePrep was approached by the Department for International Trade (DIT) and asked to represent the UK. We will be joining their virtual pavilion.

The World of Drones Congress and Robotics Congress is the largest drone event in the Asia-Pacific region. Visitors can to see the latest industry developments, applications and policies. Bringing together the experts in drones, robotics and autonomous systems, the congress provides a great opportunity to collaborate.

Following successful trials in Cornwall and Scotland, Claire will be discussing DronePrep’s consortia work with Royal Mail. We will also be showcasing drone delivery for medical purposes and discussing the hurdles to overcome. DronePrep is excited to attend this year’s World of Drones & Robotics Congress.

Interested in attending? Use discount code D25PC for 25% off tickets when registering. For more information, check out: https://www.worldofdrones.com.au/
Planning to be there? Get in touch, come see us on the virtual stand.

We are excited to announce that DronePrep’s Claire Owen has been selected as a finalist for the Midlands Women in Tech Awards 2021.

Claire has been nominated for the Innovator Award, which is “…awarded to a woman designing, developing, researching, implementing or being exceptionally creative with technology in an unconventional and innovative way.” 

Every vote counts in the race to first place – please head over to the website and vote for Claire:

https://www.womenintechawards.co.uk