Monterey Bay DART Brings the Drone Pavilion Back for Another Year

Since its inception in 2018, Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) has been dedicated to fostering tech innovation in the Monterey Bay region, CA, and surrounding areas. The organization’s mission is achieved through various initiatives, including managing infrastructure development programs, and facilitating regional workforce solutions to train individuals to engage in emerging DART industries.

One key way Monterey Bay DART has been working to achieve its vision is by forming effective partnerships across different sectors, including industry, academic and government stakeholders. This goes beyond just creating valuable connections. The organization’s efforts also include identifying, pursuing and securing public and private funding to support research, development and growth projects.

“The work Monterey Bay DART does as a 501c3 public benefit corporation is all about bringing people together and cultivating partnerships,” says Josh Metz, cofounder and executive director of Monterey Bay DART.

“We’re hearing a lot from folks working on the front lines of agtech adoption that there’s a high demand for people who have a deep understanding of the agricultural supply chain and workflows paired with an understanding of emerging technologies like drone and robot operation, maintenance, repair and mechatronics. Making these types of connections is a core part of our value proposition.”

Six years later, Monterey Bay DART is expanding its reach. The organization is solidifying partnerships with innovators in the Central Valley, North Coast and down south, many of whom are interested in breaking into the state’s widely distributed agriculture markets.

However, the organization’s geographical growth isn’t the only arena in which Monterey Bay DART is taking its relationship-building vision to the next level. A new partnership with early-stage venture capital firm HawkTower provides ample opportunities for the organization to connect startups with the private sector funding they need to be competitive in California.

“HawkTower is a really focused group with a big vision and a strong record of performance in related endevours,” Metz says about the collaboration. “The HawkTower thesis orients the team extensive experience towards underinvested areas with significant upside potential. We agree that there are rural areas that have real potential for impact and scale.”

At the upcoming FIRA USA, HawkTower will be onsite at Monterey Bay DART’s Drone Pavilion, which will be back for a second year, and feature more robust hospitality offerings and an even more engaging space. While anyone can visit the Drone Pavilion to meet and network with the exhibitors, agricultural-focused companies with drone, automation and robotics offerings should consider becoming exhibitors themselves.

Those who do will benefit from being in a centralized, in-the-action location and having targeted marketing that amplifies their brand. For startups and established companies that want to uplevel their businesses, the Drone Pavilion offers a designated space to mingle with industry titans and other key stakeholders. The cost of exhibiting in the Pavilion is also a more cost-effective way for companies to boost their visibility.

“The Drone Pavilion is going to be the hottest spot in the whole event,” Metz says. “We’re going to be working hard to connect people who have an interest in emerging technologies, especially drones. The focus of our presence at the event is to introduce attendees to these service providers and platform developers, and actively engage with the folks who come by. The Pavilion really is the highest value offering for a drone company that wants to get in front of the agricultural market.”

Companies joining the exhibitors at the Drone Pavilion this year will benefit from entry fees being waived for all farmers and growers who attend the 2024 event. Metz is confident that this will significantly increase the number of potential customers exhibitors will encounter over the course of the three-day event. It’s an opportunity not to be missed, so Metz urges companies to secure their spots right away. Only a few spaces remain for the October event.

“There’s an extra special value to being at the Drone Pavilion,” Metz says. “The exhibitors who were with us last year have repeatedly shared that FIRA USA was the best ag show they attended all year with respect to their ability to connect with customers. A big part of that was being a part of the Drone Pavilion and building relationships with the people they met last year in Salinas.”

For information on Monterey Bay DART and how to be a part of the organization’s Drone Pavilion, visit mbdart.org/fira-usa-2024-drone-pavilion.