NASA’s University Student Research Challenge Spurs Drone Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Five years ago, Michigan State University engineering student Gavin Gardner participated in NASA’s University Student Research Challenge (USRC), focusing on next-generation drone technology. The program funds college teams to support NASA’s aeronautical research goals while emphasizing dual skill development in engineering and entrepreneurship.

Gardner and his team quickly discovered that building innovative drone prototypes was only half the challenge; navigating budgeting, crowdfunding, and clear technical communication were equally critical for project success. This holistic approach reflects USRC’s goal to prepare students for the complex realities of aerospace careers, not just technical tasks.

Among the projects Gardner contributed to was the Aerial Intra-city Delivery Electric Drones (AIDED) initiative, envisioning drones that hitch rides on public buses to conserve energy. Although the concept was successfully demonstrated with a full-scale drone, regulatory hurdles in urban commercial drone operations led the team to pause on commercializing this idea.

In 2023, Gardner’s team secured a second USRC award for the Laser Energized Aerial Drone System (LEADS), developing and flying a prototype drone powered by laser-based wireless energy transfer. This novel technology could extend drone flight times by wirelessly delivering power in midair.

The USRC experience expanded Gardner’s professional network, leading to internships at NASA’s Glenn Research Center and beyond. Building on this foundation, Gardner and colleagues launched AG3 Labs in 2024, a startup specializing in drones designed for military training exercises, now producing thousands of drones monthly under U.S. Army contracts.

USRC manager Steven Holz highlighted Gardner’s trajectory as exemplary of the program’s potential to nurture a future aerospace workforce by providing both funding and guidance. The challenge thus acts as a critical incubator that combines hands-on R&D with entrepreneurial readiness, enhancing student career prospects.

While the USRC fosters technological innovation, regulatory complexity, especially around commercial drone operations in urban settings, remains a notable limitation affecting market entry for student-developed concepts. Nonetheless, the program equips participants to navigate these challenges with comprehensive skill sets.