Federal Contractors | Technology 2024: TOM WALKER

DroneUp in March unveiled its new autonomous drone ecosystem, presenting a leap forward in last-mile delivery logistics. This system combines automated ground infrastructure where workers can deposit packages with autonomous pickup and delivery by drones. The drones are capable of operating at speeds up to 60 miles per hour over a 30-mile range and can carry roughly 10 pounds.

This follows years of rapid growth from the aerial drone services provider, which Walker launched in 2016. DroneUp purchased Web Teks in 2021 and partnered with Walmart to deliver items by aerial drone, expanding the retailer’s delivery network. In 2022, DroneUp announced it would establish a $20.2 million drone research center at Richard Bland College in Petersburg.

With some 400 employees, DroneUp announced a $7 million expansion in 2022 and has partnerships with Carilion Clinic and Riverside Health System to deliver medications.

Walker served in the Navy as an officer for nearly 17 years and was an adviser to the White House on technology. He also spent 17 years as president of software company Web Teks. In June, Walker was named a Mid-Atlantic Entrepreneur of the Year by EY.