Flying Labs Network

We are a global network of independent knowledge hubs convening local experts in professional drone, data, robotics and AI services. We shift power with local experts and lead local solutions to accelerate social good projects in Africa, Latin America, Asia and beyond.

Why We Come Together

The challenges facing our world today are immense, and need to be addressed with an abundance of solutions. Local, decentralized and bottom-up approaches that center the inclusion of local experts can activate this abundance, multiplying the actors working for positive change.

We, the local nonprofits, for profit companies, universities and research centers throughout the Global South have the ability, agency and deep local expertise to tackle in a sustainable and innovative manner the pressing challenges affecting our communities.

What We Aspire to Change

On a local level: we convene local organisations and collaborate with each other so that our shared expertise and local leadership can accelerate the positive impact of humanitarian, health, development and environmental solutions.

On a global level: we connect to share lessons learned and best practices across the globe, train each other and collaborate on joint projects. We grow strong together, inspired by the wise proverb “Alone we go fast, together we go far”.

How We Come Together

While each Flying Labs is fully independent in their local activities, each of us is also part of the global Flying Labs Network. Flying Labs employ their unique expertise in order to build the collective strength of the Network and contribute to its overall success and impact.

The Flying Labs Network has grown from 3 countries in 2016 into a global network of 35+ independent knowledge hubs today, convening local experts in professional drone, data, robotics and AI services to accelerate social good projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America and beyond.

Why Hundreds of Local Experts Across 35+ Countries are Joining the Flying Labs Network

Technology

Free licenses for Pix4D, ESRI, DroneLogBook and other leading solutions
Discounted drones from DJI, senseFly, Parrot and other manufacturers
Discounted access to marine robotics, surface water drones and more
Direct access to drone add-ons engineered by WeRobotics and partners

Opportunity

Access new projects and funding opportunities
Increase your professional visibility and credibility
Scale up your projects and improve your leadership skills
Expand your expertise into new areas and become a first mover
Expand your expertise into new areas and become a first mover
Run and monetize your own online and in-person trainings

Knowledge

Unique Flying Labs Knowledge Sharing Platform containing hundreds of knowledge items and tools
Technical mentorship from WeRobotics, Flying Labs and technology partners
Free in-person and online professional, peer-reviewed trainings
Drone pilot competency training recognized by regulators

Contacts

Direct access to 250+ drone and data experts in Africa, Asia, Latin America and beyond through regional/global calls and network retreats
Direct access to WeRobotics expertise and the expertise of WeRobotics partners
Support to build up and facilitate your local drone and data ecosystem and expand your local contacts

Start your Flying Labs right here

Flying Labs Activities

Collaborating with community partners in the humanitarian, health, environment, and development sectors, each Flying Labs strengthens local-level capacity and tech expertise, implements sustainable solutions within their communities, contributes to local ecosystems and shares learnings across the Network to catalyze positive impact.

In line with the network’s purpose, Flying Labs are self-financed as they are hosted by existing local organizations that already offer professional services and education around emerging technologies. They remain financially independent by offering their own training and professional services to local governments, businesses, NGOs, and universities.

Discover the diverse services offered by each Flying Labs on their individual webpages. To access each Flying Labs’ page, choose either from the menu on top or click on their blue dot on the map.

Our Impact

Each Flying Labs autonomously decides on their own activities. Our Impact page consolidates our joint impact.

Go to Impact Page

The network contributes to following SDGs:

Latest News

How to Join the Flying Labs Network and Succeed

Are you an existing local (non-profit, for-profit or academic) organization with proven experience in applying emerging technologies to social challenges? Do you wish to establish your own independent Flying Labs and offer services to local government, NGOs, and private organizations to become fully self-sustaining? Read more here under on how to join the network, then grow your Flying Labs by sharing your experiences and learnings back with the network, participating in joint projects and trainings, and actively contributing to the network’s purpose of creating positive, sustainable, and locally-led impact around the globe.

Join with the Flying Labs Local Model

Our Local Model, co-designed and facilitated by WeRobotics, enables local organizations with a proven track-record to join the network through affiliation in order to expand the network. The Flying Labs Value Proposition tells you more on everything you will be able to access as well as the key requirements to becoming part of the Network

Discover our full Value Proposition for Flying Labs

Succeed with the Flying Labs Global Model

Once connected, our Global Model brings individual Flying Labs together to grow a strong and sustainable global Network. This model enables network governance and allows each Flying Labs to actively manage its qualitative aspects, by identifying its strengths, gaps and improvement opportunities and understanding individual progress.

Discover more details on the Flying Labs Global Model

LEARN ALL ABOUT HOW TO APPLY FOR A FLYING LABS HERE

Let’s Collaborate

Interested in creating a Flying Labs in your country?

Sroll up and you will find more information on how to join the Flying Labs Network and get started with a Flying Labs in your country.

And feel free to contact us at any time for more information.

Interested in collaborating with an existing Flying Labs?

We, the 30+ Flying Labs already part of the Network have a wealth of expertise, experience and services to offer. And we love partnerships to grow a strong ecosystem in our countries. So don’t be shy and reach out.

You find more information and how to contact each of us directly on our individual webpages.

Interested in supporting our growth and impact?

Join our existing partners and donors and support us in scaling and strengthening our Network.

We look forward to discuss how your contribution will create strong impact on a local level.

Donors and Partners

Following donors and partners invest in our global Flying Labs network. Contact us if you would like to invest in our network.