Only together can we accelerate the UxV world we all share great enthusiasm for!
VDSP Drone Community
Being a renowned hub within the drone ecosystem, we surround ourselves with leading people, organizations and technologies within triple-helix and quadruple-helix (Academia - Government - Industry - Civil society).
The community built around unmanned technologies and UXV is our backbone for driving collaboration, innovation, industry growth and new business opportunities for the community. Through the community we also stay in the loop and acquire new knowledge and share it when possible, as well as match needs and opportunities within areas of interest.
The international network has built up over the years and we are right now in the process of formalising the growing VDSP Drone Community in a more structured way. Categorizing, finding out interest, what’s offered to the community etc.
Joining the community comes with no obligations, it´s free of charge, leave the community whenever you want and at this stage just a simple form and submit and you’re in for a future drone ride!
- Academic Ascenders – within the academic world
- Community Co-pilots – supporting the VDSP Drone community
- Drones Den – investor network
- Hovering Helpers - event, marketing, and office partners
- Maritime Mavericks – water-based drones
- Mission Mappers – security and military focus
- Payload Pioneers – payloads and sensors
- Propel Partners – business development
- Public Pilots – public or government
- Skyline Spearheads – aerial-based drones
- Tech Tinkerers – technology, hardware and software
- Terra Trailblazers – land-based drones
- Wingmen – VDSP partners who share the long term visions and aim high in their support and aspirations
Businness partners and supporters
We have different business partners and supporters and are right now formalising and setting up a new partner and supporter program within different areas and levels. The structure is based on the VDSP Drone Community.
Since VDSP is foundation-owned a partner or sponsor is assured that possible operational revenue goes back to daily operations supporting the evolvement within UXV and unmanned technologies.
If you are interested to know more, do not hesitate to contact us.
A few examples of our "Wingmen"
Västerviks utvecklingscentrum (VUC)
VUC is a foundation whose purpose is to conduct development-promoting activities, primarily in Västervik municipality through collaboration between the business community, the municipality and institutions at regional and national level. Västervik Drone Science Park is part of the group.
Sparbanksstiftelsen Tjustbygden
Sparbanksstiftelsen Tjustbygden, together with Sparbanksstiftelsen Åtvidaberg, is the owner of the local bank Sparbanken Spira. By using the returns from the bank for socially beneficial efforts, the foundation has a unique opportunity to act as a driving force for a positive development of the local community.
Västervik Municipality
Västervik municipality is known for the Tjust archipelago with almost 5,000 islands, the old port town of Västervik and a beautiful, hilly, varied and lake-rich inland. The municipality - which is one of southern Sweden's largest in terms of area - has about 36,700 inhabitants, of which about 21,800 live in the central town.
Networking and relevant context
VDSP is active in different relevant context to contribute, acquire new knowledge as well as influence for better terms for the drone industry in large. Below are examples of VDSP engagements in different forums and constellations.
SISP - Swedish Incubators & Science Parks
VDSP is a proud member of SISP which is an important part of Swedens innovation ecosystem driving the nation forward.
Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences Business Council
VDSP is a proud member together with approx 250 people representing triple-helix (Academia – Industry – Government)
“SKR Drone Network” (Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions)
VDSP is part of the network that works with drone related topics relevant to government.
“Drone Network”
A part of Swedish Confederation of Transport Enterprises. VDSP is a member of the network that e.g. works with influencing national policy’s and regulations.
Nordic Testbed Network
Works for digital transformation in the Nordic bioeconomy (e.g. agriculture, forest) where UXV have an import role.
European Defence Agency (EDA) Autonomous Systems Community of Interests (ASCI)
VDSP is part of the ASCI community and is one of 12 entities from Sweden e.g. Saab, Swedish Air Force, Swedish Navy, Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV), Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI)
Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP)
VDSP works very close to WARA-PS (WASP Research Arena for Public Safety) that since 2018 have their practical research and conference activities in Västervik (Gränsö Castle). In 2024 a deepened long-term collaboration was initiated within different areas e.g. WASP-WARA-PS Demonstration week and UAS Forum Sweden.
AERO European Digital Innovation Hub
VDSP is part of the network within their operations.
EU UAS Test Centre Alliance
A network for UAS testbeds in Europe, in which VDSP is a part of. The network works with different topics of interest.
A few local examples of drone related companies
ACC Group
Drone developer/manufacturer e.g. world’s largest quadcopter Thunderwasp GT.
AM PrintService/AM Efficiency
Well known adaptive 3D print experts within polymers and metal, invcluding post-processing through own products.
Resenit
Precision machined components and assembled products made of polymeric materials.
CNC Plåt
Experts in sheet metal processing, complete service company with a high degree of automation.
Marström
Leading carbon fiber experts with unique adaptive printing methods, sprung out of the marine industry.
Ankarsrum Electric Motors AB
Develops and manufactures electric motors as well as related components and products where an electric motor is included.
Westbay Solutions
Unique customized vehicle/trailer solutions with main market within defence.