Innovation Forums

Periodically, the County of Cape May sponsors “Innovation Forums” open to members of the UAS Community.  Activities typically include lengthy self-introductions in which participants not only provide their basic identifying data, but describe the challenges and triumphs, of the UAS efforts on which they currently are working.  This backgrounding provides excellent opportunities later in the day, when we serve lunch and provide networking time, as innovators seek one another out to discuss the work that each described earlier.  In addition, at some point during the session, we have a presentation by a noted UAS innovator, which further sparks lively discussion (and, sometimes, even debate).

Starting with a group of 9 innovators five years ago, Forum membership now includes hundreds of UAS-related innovators from throughout New Jersey and surrounding states.  Attendees include members of private industry, government, and academia.  Many travel hours to attend a session that will permits them to meet colleagues and kindred souls.  We also typically are very fortunate to have representatives from our neighbor, the FAA William Hughes Technical Center, join us as guests.  We’ve watched happily as innovators assist one another in developing technological workarounds, and have even watched companies merge after their principals discovered critical synergies through the Forums.

There is no charge for the Forums; they are funded in part by a grant from USDA Rural Development.  Attendance is limited to @45 guests a session, however, in order to preserve the smaller-scale, high-quality closeness that is one of the hallmarks of the County UAS Program.