Xelevate Introduces UAS Innovation and Workforce Development in Jackson County, Alabama
Xelevate, a leading provider of drone infrastructure as a service, is excited to announce the establishment of a new location aimed at fostering innovation and enhancing workforce development within the growing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) sector. This initiative will take place at the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) Bellefonte Nuclear Power Plant in Jackson County, Alabama.
Utilizing part of the Bellefonte site, Xelevate plans to facilitate training, testing, and demonstrations related to UAS technologies. This unique operational environment will be available for various stakeholders including industry partners, federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as public safety and emergency management professionals. These entities will have the ability to rent space to conduct testing, training, innovation sessions, and small infrastructure events, fostering collaboration and the protection of critical infrastructure.
Key Initiatives at the Bellefonte Site:
- Rapid Technology Transfer: Xelevate will enhance the capabilities for government and military officials, ensuring safe drone operations and training surrounding critical infrastructures such as nuclear facilities.
- Custom UAS Training Programs: Tailored courses designed to develop advanced piloting and operational skills for critical infrastructure applications will be implemented.
- Testing Capability Enhancement: Xelevate’s premier UAS testing grounds will be utilized to assess new technologies and refine operational protocols.
- Safety and Compliance Promotion: Best practices will be established to align with FAA regulations, facilitating the safe integration of UAS into these environments.
- Workforce Development: Opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and training programs will be created to meet the rising demand for skilled UAS operators.
Representative Dale Strong of Alabama’s 5th Congressional District expressed enthusiasm about Xelevate’s presence, stating, “I’m proud to welcome Xelevate to Jackson County. This expansion is a testament to our local workforce and their dedication to security and innovation in unmanned aerial vehicles.”
The integration of drone infrastructure at Bellefonte is positioned to support the next phase of nuclear power and critical infrastructure protection, merging industrial needs with national security efforts. This collaboration aims to enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and safeguard resources through advanced drone technology.
Marcy Eisenberg, President and Co-Founder of Xelevate, added, “We are thrilled to partner with TVA at this location. Bellefonte’s proximity to Huntsville, combined with collaboration from local educational institutions, will help establish a workforce pipeline for UAS skills vital for local business efficiency and Huntsville’s innovation.”
The need for dedicated facilities for unmanned flight operations and training near Huntsville has been identified, contributing to rapid technology transfer for various mission needs including homeland security and commercial applications. Xelevate aims to bridge this gap by offering UAS training opportunities across multiple sectors such as construction, healthcare, and defense, while also collaborating with local educational institutions to enhance workforce development.
For more information, please contact:
Alissa Biechlin
571-455-4791
alissa.biechlin@xelevate.io
About Xelevate
Xelevate specializes in providing drone infrastructure as a service, offering cutting-edge UAS solutions and operational ranges throughout the United States. Committed to the advancement of UAS technology integration, Xelevate serves as a reliable partner for organizations looking to achieve compliance, safety, and innovative solutions in their UAS endeavors.
