Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer unveiled a new state-sponsored competition called the Unmanned Triple Challenge at the Michigan Defense Expo (MDEX), which took place at the end of April. The initiative is designed to spur innovation in the autonomous drone technology sector, aiming to attract more investment and jobs to the state.

Participants are required to use unmanned, autonomous drones to transport a package across Michigan by air, land, and water. The Michigan National Guard, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), are joint organizers for the event.

Expected to gather entries from academic institutions, military bodies, government agencies, and the private sector, the Unmanned Triple Challenge is set to take place from May 19 to 22, 2025. Participants will start at Rogers City Quarry, traverse the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, and finish at Camp Grayling. The competition is expected to bolster Michigan’s standing in the drone technology sector, leading to increased investment and job growth.

Speaking at the announcement, Governor Whitmer expressed her gratitude to the Michigan National Guard, MDOT, and the MEDC for their cooperation. She emphasized the competition’s potential to foster innovation in drone technology, attract competitors, and create more job opportunities in Michigan. Governor Whitmer also stressed how this initiative would contribute to building the future of mobility in the state.

This news comes shortly after Governor Whitmer, along with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), announced the formation of the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI). The ODAI, led by executive director Col. John Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret), aims to further grow the state’s defense and aerospace industries.

Michigan has recently emerged as a national leader in the aerospace sector. It hosts the Unmanned Aerial Systems Consortium (MUASC) and seven FAA UAS Test Sites. Michigan also ranks among the top 10 states for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness and is home to over 600 aerospace-related companies.