To the hosting organizations behind Chile and Côte d’Ivoire Flying Labs: thank you for your dedication and partnership.
January 8th, 2025
More than just a group of local experts, the Flying Labs Network is a thriving community. Every Flying Labs contributes unique expertise and experiences that enrich our diversity and strengthen our collaboration. With every new Flying Labs, the Network grows, and with every one that departs, it is felt as a meaningful loss. Today, we announce a bittersweet milestone as the teams leading Chile and Côte d’Ivoire Flying Labs embark on a new chapter outside the Network.
These teams have been integral in shaping the Flying Labs Network into what it is today. Their pioneering efforts in addressing critical local challenges have not only advanced the Network’s mission but also left lasting impacts on their communities.
Chile Flying Labs focused on disaster risk reduction and leveraging drone technology for scientific research in Chile’s terrains. Notably, they were part of an insightful field study carried out to understand and assess the barriers for the implementation of humanitarian drones into local disaster preparedness.
Côte d’Ivoire Flying Labs, with a specialty in precision agriculture, has been dedicated to introducing more farmers to emerging technologies, particularly drones, that support specific activities such as agricultural development plans, mapping, and field diagnostics. Their knowledge on crop spraying using drones is preserved in an informative webinar, and the agrohubs they established serve as a valuable example of how local experts can extend the benefits of technologies to small and medium-sized farmers in locally relevant ways.
Even as we offboard these two Flying Labs, their contributions will continue to inspire. They have demonstrated the impact of local expertise, pursuing innovation that is tailored to their unique contexts. To the hosting organizations behind Chile and Côte d’Ivoire Flying Labs: thank you for your dedication and partnership. We wish you every success in your next endeavors. As you continue your journeys, know that the Flying Labs Network will always celebrate your achievements and cheer on your future successes.
The Flying Labs Network is built on a social franchise model, with one franchise license per country that is renewed on a yearly basis. We invite local non-profit, for-profit and/or academic organizations with a proven track record in drones, data, and AI in these countries to apply to join the Network. More information on the key requirements, value proposition, and application procedure is available on the Flying Labs Network website.
As the Flying Labs Network evolves, the connections we’ve built remain strong. We look forward to future collaborations and the opportunities they bring for collective growth and impact.
