Latest Drone Updates: Announcement of 2025 Scholarship Recipients, Potential 6-Month Ban on DJI, and More Exciting Developments!
The technology world is abuzz with excitement as the winners of the 2025 Drone Technology College Scholarship have been announced. James Meggitt from Iowa State University and Paul Roberts from Penn State University have been selected as the recipients of this prestigious award. Each winner will receive $1,000 to aid in their college studies[1].
James Meggitt, an electrical engineering student with a passion for avionics and DIY drone projects, plans to utilise the scholarship funds to focus on research and hands-on drone innovation during his college years[1]. He aims to develop affordable quadcopter kits for classrooms, a move that could significantly boost STEM education.
Paul Roberts, a civil engineering student with a focus on climate resilience and sustainability, intends to invest the scholarship money in furthering his education and skills related to drone mapping and green infrastructure[1]. His goal is to address environmental challenges like urban heat mapping and reforestation.
Both winners aim to use the awarded funds to advance their education and contribute to drone industry innovations aligned with their areas of interest[1].
Meanwhile, in the world of drone manufacturing, DJI, a leading name in the industry, is gearing up for the launch of its Mini 5 Pro. Leaked images reveal a sleek, folding drone with vented motor housings and a front-facing LiDAR sensor[2]. The Mini 5 Pro is rumoured to pack a larger battery and a 1" camera sensor, promising improved performance and functionality. The launch is expected to take place on August 7, 2025[3].
However, a cloud of uncertainty looms over DJI as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has mandated a formal audit of DJI drones to be completed by the close of 2025[4]. If the audit is not completed by December 23, 2025, DJI drones could face an automatic ban[5]. DJI recently issued a statement highlighting the urgency of the looming deadline[6].
Elsewhere, Voliro, a drone manufacturer specialising in inspection drones, has secured $23 million in a Series A extension to accelerate the development of its unique tiltable-rotor drones[7]. These drones allow direct contact with vertical and overhead surfaces during flight, making them ideal for various inspection tasks.
In the realm of drone enthusiasts, Joshua Turner, a popular YouTuber, has released a video showcasing FPV footage of Puerto Rico's lush landscapes, beaches, and local scenes[8]. The video serves as a testament to the power of drones in capturing stunning visuals and exploring remote locations.
Interested students can learn more about the Drone Technology College Scholarship and share it with others by following the provided link[9]. The scholarship is open to college students and high school seniors, offering a unique opportunity for young minds to delve into the exciting world of drone technology.
[1] Source: [Link to the original article] [2] Source: [Link to the original article] [3] Source: [Link to the original article] [4] Source: [Link to the original article] [5] Source: [Link to the original article] [6] Source: [Link to the original article] [7] Source: [Link to the original article] [8] Source: [Link to the original article] [9] Source: [Link to the original article]
- James Meggitt plans to use his scholarship funds to focus on developing affordable quadcopter kits for classrooms, aiming to significantly boost STEM education.
- Paul Roberts intends to invest his scholarship money in drone mapping and green infrastructure education to address environmental challenges like urban heat mapping and reforestation.
- The winners of the 2025 Drone Technology College Scholarship, James Meggitt and Paul Roberts, aim to advance their education and contribute to drone industry innovations aligned with their interests.
- DJI's Mini 5 Pro, scheduled for launch on August 7, 2025, comes with a 1" camera sensor and larger battery, promising improved performance and functionality, but faces potential bans due to an ongoing audit mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act.
