For this week’s round-up of commercial drone industry news, we look at growth in the drone-as-a-service (DaaS) market, start-up drone companies competing for New York accelerator funding, and how UAVs boost energy efficiency in Michigan.

DaaS Market Set to Expand

Verified Market Reports has released a report detailing expansion of the Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) market. According to their new publication, DaaS “was valued at USD 6.3 Billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 27.3 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 18.1% from 2026 to 2033.” The firm cites technological advancement sand a growing need for companies in many business sectors to cut costs and boost efficiency as key drivers in the market expansion. Specifically, Verified Market Reports says, companies in “agriculture, construction, logistics, and environmental management are harnessing the benefits of drone services.”

Want to learn more about DaaS and drone business models? Check out the latest Commercial UAV News report, Choosing the Right Technology and Service Model for Your Drone Operations.

Drone Firms Compete for GENIUS NY Prizes

Drone-focused start-up companies feature prominently on the list of companies moving to the next round of the GENIUS NY business accelerator. Billed as the “largest business accelerator for the uncrewed systems and robotics industry in the world,” GENIUS NY will award total of “$3 million in direct investment, with one grand prize of up to $1 million and four $500,000 awards” when its winning submissions next year. Drone-related companies moving on to the next round include:

  • Lamarr AI (New York): Uses drones and AI to inspect building exteriors, delivering faster, more affordable, and more accurate data than traditional methods.
  • Lighthouse Avionics (Ohio): Offers low-cost optical solutions to monitor low-altitude airspace for drone threats, bird strikes, and FAA compliance.
  • Modovolo (New York): A drone company building low-cost, modular aircraft with extended flight times, designed for a wide range of commercial and defense uses.
  • Skyfire AI (New Jersey): Deploys autonomous drone swarms and AI to improve response times and situational awareness for first responders and defense teams.

Drones Help Boost Energy Efficiency in Michigan

Yahoo!Finance reports on the ways Michigan’s Consumers Energy is using UAVs to improve energy efficiency in that state. According to a statement from Consumers Energy, the company “has expanded its use of drone technology across the electric grid by doubling its fleet in the past 2 years reinforcing its commitment to delivering reliable, safe and affordable service.” With a “growing fleet of 40 drones and 40 licensed pilots,” Consumers Energy is using drones for inspections, storm recovery, and more. The company says that the drone program furthers is “long-term strategy to strengthen the grid, reduce outages and prepare for the energy needs of the future.”