Drone Institute Expands Lafayette Headquarters to Advance Innovation and Data Technology, Creating Nearly 1,400 New Job Opportunities

• Construction is expected to be complete by July 2026

• The company provides aerial data and software solutions that help industrial clients improve safety, efficiency and decision-making.

• The project marks Lafayette’s second drone project in as many months.

LAFAYETTE, La. – Drone Institute, LLC announced a $340,000 expansion of its Lafayette headquarters to consolidate its drone operations, data processing and pilot training within a single facility. The new facility will support the company’s growing national operations and development of advanced aerial imaging software for infrastructure assessment.

The company is expected to create 610 direct new jobs over the next 10 years while retaining seven current positions in Lafayette Parish. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 758 indirect new jobs, for a total of 1,368 potential new job opportunities in the Acadiana Region.

“Drone Institute’s expansion in Lafayette reflects the growing momentum of Louisiana’s innovation economy,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “Only a month after DMR’s announcement, this project strengthens our state’s position as a center for drone technology and highlights the role of Acadiana’s talent and expertise in shaping the future of advanced industry.”

The new headquarters at 105 Dorest Avenue in Lafayette will bring together Drone Institutes’s flight operations, data processing and production teams in a single facility. From this location, the company will manage nationwide drone missions, train pilots and geospatial analysts and develop advanced imaging tools that help industrial clients detect and prevent infrastructure issues.

“Drone Institute is changing how we see the world from above,” Drone Institute CEO George Femmer said. “Contrary to the trend of young tech companies leaving the state, Drone Institute has committed to Lafayette and Louisiana. This expansion allows us to build smarter drone systems and data products that assist clients to work safer, faster and with deeper insight.”

Established in Lafayette, Drone Institute has steadily expanded its workforce and capabilities to meet growing demand for aerial data and inspection services nationwide.

“Scott, Louisiana based SOLA Drones is proud to have Drone Institute as a strategic partner as we build the drone industry ecosystem together in Lafayette, Louisiana,” President of SOLA Drones Bruce Bosworth said.

Construction on the new facility is scheduled to begin by the end of the year, with completion expected by July 2026. Commercial operations will scale during construction to support expanded data processing and flight operations.

“The Drone Institute’s expansion is a big win for Lafayette,” Lafayette Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet said. “It shows confidence in our people, our community, and our growing tech sector. With more than 600 new jobs coming, this project will make a real difference and build on the strong partnerships driving innovation across Lafayette Parish.”

To secure the project in Lafayette, the state of Louisiana offered Drone Institute a competitive incentives package that includes the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart and a $300,000 performance-based grant to assist in building renovation costs. The company is also expected to participate in Louisiana’s High Impact Jobs program and Research and Development Tax Credit.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Drone Institute’s expansion in Lafayette Parish,” Lafayette Economic Development Authority President and CEO Mandi D. Mitchell said. “Their investment and the creation of 610 new jobs reinforces Lafayette’s position as an emerging hub for unmanned aerial systems and advanced technology. Coming on the heels of DMR’s drone manufacturing announcement and FlyGuys’ steady growth and recent Series A funding, LEDA’s efforts are cultivating the development of a complete ecosystem in our community. This clustering effect will attract additional suppliers, service providers, and talent to the region. Drone Institute’s decision demonstrates confidence in our workforce, business climate, and commitment to supporting innovative industries in Lafayette Parish.”

“Drone Institute’s decision to expand in Lafayette speaks to the growing competitiveness of our region’s technology and innovation sectors, supported by a strong talent pipeline,” One Acadiana President and CEO Troy Wayman said. “The creation of more than 600 new jobs will have a lasting impact, and we’re proud to support companies who choose to invest and grow their operations in Acadiana. We congratulate our partners at Lafayette Economic Development Authority for securing another great win for this community and our region.”

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About Drone Institute LLC
Drone Institute is a Louisiana-grown technology company helping modernize how the energy and industrial sectors approach inspection and data management. From NDT applications in Oil & Gas facilities to infrastructure and roofing assessments, we fly drones, build data products, and turn aerial imagery into insights that improve safety, compliance, and efficiency. By combining skilled pilots, intelligent software, and proprietary data pipelines, we deliver the clarity operators need to make informed decisions in the field. From our home base in Lafayette, we’re helping make Louisiana the place for drone innovation in the U.S.

About LED
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for driving capital investment, job creation and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and employers of all sizes. Explore how LED is positioning Louisiana to win at OpportunityLouisiana.com. 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Emma Wagner, LED Communications Director
Emma.Wagner@la.gov
912.467.2117

Jacey Wesley, LED Strategic Communications Manager
Jacey.Wesley@la.gov
225.342.5536

George Femmer, Drone Institute CEO
George.femmer@droneinstitute.ai
337.241.8648

Christopher Sharplin, Drone Institute COO
Chris.sharplin@droneinstitute.ai
337.591.2975