FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2025
Contact: Brittany Tschida Odom
Marketing Manager
Phone: 910-500-6403
Email: Brittany@fcedc.com

FCEDC to Host First-Ever Premier Drone Competition
Event Highlights the Region’s Defense Innovation Ecosystem

FAYETTEVILLE, NC – The Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) is excited to host a first-of-its-kind drone competition. Through partnership with NC Innovation, America Makes, and The Range Complex, the two-day event is set for October 8-9, at The Range Complex in Cumberland County.

This competition highlights the region’s defense innovation ecosystem, anchored by Fort Bragg, and is the first of its kind to connect military, academia, industry, and private citizens. One of the goals of this event is to build North Carolina’s largest drone community and advance innovation within the United States.

Day one, competitors will compete amongst their category in first-person view (FPV) races across three different lanes. On day two, teams will come together across sectors for a series of tactical exercises that will require collaboration and adaptability.

“We are really looking forward to this event”, said Rob Patton, FCEDC Executive Vice President. “To our knowledge, this is the first drone competition that will have representation from every military service branch”.

Recently, the Department of Defense announced its priorities through drone technology, to include getting “the best tools America has to offer into the hands of the service members who need them most”. This competition is a direct pathway for drone engineers to showcase their product in front of top military personnel and industry, creating a consistent means of multi-service drone collaboration in North Carolina.

“This is the first drone competition we have held at The Range Complex, and we are excited to show what we can do here,” said Jim Henderson, TRC Director of Development. “Competitors are going to be in for an unforgettable challenge at every level.”

Whether you are a professional drone operator, an expert drone builder, or merely fly for fun, we encourage you to sign up and put your skills to the test! Individuals can register now at www.fcedc.com/drone-challenge. There is only space for 50 drone operator participants, so sign up today!

Spectators are also welcome to attend. In addition to live competition, attendees can expect demonstrations, career development opportunities, food trucks, vendors, and more during both days of the event.

A special thank you to our current sponsors, Alvarez & Marsal, AFCEA North Carolina, Military Affairs Council, and Accel Innovation Corporation! Companies that are interested in sponsorship opportunities can reach out to Rob Patton for additional opportunities.

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About NCInnovation, Inc.: NCInnovation, Inc. is a Research Triangle Park, NC-based 501(c)(3) public-private partnership designed to accelerate commercialized innovation from North Carolina’s research universities. Backed by more than $25 million in private philanthropic commitments, NCInnovation uses the interest and income from a $500 million State-funded endowment to provide non-dilutive grant funding, mentors, and support services so that North Carolina university proofs-of-concept return value to the regional communities that created them. Learn more at NCInnovation.org.

About America Makes: America Makes is a Manufacturing USA Institute that accelerates and partners with industry, academia, and government to advance additive manufacturing and 3D printing. Learn more about their projects, events, news, and opportunities in this field at www.americamakes.us.

About The Range Complex: The Range Complex offers versatile flat ranges, live-fire ballistic shoot houses, and a dive training pond for military, law enforcement, and private clients. TRC meets the stringent Department of Defense range safety requirements and is conveniently located off I-95 near Fayetteville, North Carolina and Fort Bragg. Learn about their range information, facility features, and services at www.therangecomplex.com.

ABOUT FCEDC: The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation is a public-private partnership designed to enhance job growth and prosperity in the region by attracting new industry and growing and retaining existing industry. The FCEDC works daily to help strengthen our economy and diversify our community’s tax base. Learn more at www.fcedc.com.