Black Swift Technologies, a leader in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), was honored with the prestigious Small UAS of the Year – Commercial award at the inaugural Innovation Vanguard Awards ceremony held at XPONENTIAL 2025 in Houston. This recognition celebrates excellence in air systems that are redefining unmanned operations worldwide.

The Innovation Vanguard Awards, hosted by Inside Unmanned Systems, celebrated companies and teams pushing the limits of what unmanned and autonomous systems can achieve, with an exceptionally competitive field reflecting the rapid pace of innovation in the industry. Black Swift Technologies was notably nominated as a finalist in three significant categories, including Small UAS of the Year – Commercial Applications, Innovator in Payload Technology, and Best Use for Emergency Response.

Since its founding in Boulder in 2011, Black Swift Technologies has been driven by a vision to build unmanned aircraft systems that do more than just fly—they change the world. Their core mission is to create drones capable of operating in challenging environments, such as cutting through wildfire smoke and volcano plumes to aid in saving lives, navigating the chaos within a hurricane’s eye, and collecting vital environmental data crucial for shaping a more resilient future. This dream is now taking flight in a new way, as acknowledged by this significant award.

The company’s success is deeply rooted in the relentless dedication, hard work, and unwavering belief that drives their team. Their rugged UAS platforms, including the E2, S2, and S0, alongside the scalable brilliance of their SwiftCore flight management system, are designed with heart, purpose, and real-world impact in mind. Black Swift Technologies is recognized for its expertise in UAS and aerospace technology, aiming to expand market presence and drive revenue growth by emphasizing innovation, reliability, and strategic partnerships. They prioritize continuous innovation in UAS technology, specifically advancements in autonomous flight, sensor integration, and data analytics, showcasing their ability to tailor solutions to specific customer needs, emphasizing flexibility and scalability.

Black Swift Technologies attributes much of its progress to its invaluable partners, including NASA, NOAA, USGS, and the U.S. Air Force. These collaborations have been instrumental in building not just innovative aircraft, but also “hope for faster disaster response” and “smarter environmental protection”.

This award signifies a significant milestone for Black Swift Technologies, solidifying its position as an innovative leader in custom UAS solutions. The company remains committed to pushing boundaries, protecting our world, and continuing to innovate for a future where technology serves as a powerful force for good.

Source: Black Swift Technologies


MundoGEO organizes the DroneShow, MundoGEO Connect, SpaceBR Show and Expo eVTOL exhibitions annually in São Paulo, Brazil. See the highlights of the latest edition: