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NEOFIX Report Q6 2024

This sixth quarterly report for the NEOFIX project outlines significant progress in various areas. One notable achievement was the successful application to the state of Ohio Senate for the “One Time Community Strategic Investment Fund” (OTSCIF), securing $500,000 to be received before the end of 2024. This brings the total direct and indirect funding for NEOFIX since 2022 to $1.3 million, leveraging the original county investment by nearly 3 to 1. Additionally, efforts were made to advance the “Drone as First Responder” (DFR) initiative, including presentations and briefings to key stakeholders such as Ohio Senators and Representatives, and the Cuyahoga County Emergency Management program. A demonstration project for the DFR infrastructure in Garfield Heights is projected to be operational by late 2024 or early 2025.

Additional project outcomes include enhancements to the NEOFIX system architecture, such as interactive airspace layer information, improved UAV flight history display, and weather layer UX improvements. Equipment for drone detection sensors was ordered and arrangements made for their installation at Burke Lakefront Airport. Legislative briefings were also conducted to align NEOFIX with Ohio’s FlyOhio plan, emphasizing the system’s critical public infrastructure role. NEOFIX further maintains ongoing collaboration with regional communities for a second US DOT Smart Grant application, focusing on the emergency drone delivery of medical supplies.

Soaring to new heights, together.

Be sure to visit the BWU Technology Partnerships Initiative website to learn more about how our NEOFIX program drives economic growth, promotes policy and infrastructure to improve drone safety and efficiency in various industries, and ensures that drone technology is being used responsibly.