At The Drone Centre, we believe the future of drone technology isn’t just in the field — it’s in the classroom. Universities and research institutions sit at the centre of where innovation happens, and we want to be part of that. Through our academic partnership programme, we give institutions direct access to the industrial-grade drone hardware, certified training, and hands-on expertise that are already shaping industries across the UAE.
The Drone Centre is part of FEDS Group, with over a decade of drone operations across the UAE. Our group delivers end-to-end drone-powered solutions across construction, energy, utilities, and public safety. This academic initiative is a direct extension of that mission — investing in the people who will carry the industry forward by giving them access to real tools, real training, and real industry knowledge before they graduate.
We’re looking for universities and research institutions ready to integrate drone technology into their curriculum, research agenda, or campus operations. If that’s you, let’s talk.
Our partnerships are built around what your institution actually needs — not a one-size-fits-all package. Drawing on over a decade of certified drone operations in the UAE, we work with faculty and research leads to identify where drone technology adds the most value: whether that’s LiDAR-based research, pilot training, or innovation competitions for students. Equipment is provided either as a donation or at a significant discount, and every partnership is backed by our DCAA-certified training team.
The programme is open to accredited universities and educational institutes in the UAE. We assess applications based on how your institution plans to integrate drone technology — whether through research projects, curriculum development, or campus-based training and testing.
Fill out the expression of interest form below and a member of our team will be in touch. From there, we’ll have a conversation about your institution’s specific goals and walk you through the partnership process step by step.
Hardware is just the starting point. Our DCAA-certified academy provides comprehensive pilot training so your team can operate safely and confidently from day one. We stay involved throughout — from initial setup through to ongoing guidance as your programme develops.
Our goal is to remove the cost barrier to drone technology in education. Equipment is offered either as a donation or at a meaningful discount, structured around your institution’s goals. We work with each partner individually to put together a package that makes sense.
Our partnerships are built to give your students direct access to practical industry knowledge. Key collaborations include:
