A new public-private partnership has launched in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula to advance drone-based mobility solutions and airspace management. Funded through the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification’s (OFME) Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP), the project will establish a regional Operations Center in Chippewa County, enabling near-border commercial and security drone operations through real-time situational awareness and FAA-authorized traffic coordination services.
Led by ANRA Technologies, the initiative brings together the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC), Censys Technologies, and the Michigan Tech Research Institute (MTRI). The collaboration aims to position Chippewa as a strategic testbed for scalable private and public Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) deployment across Michigan.
“This project exemplifies Michigan’s commitment to leading the future of advanced air mobility by building the foundation for a scalable drone ecosystem for the Upper Peninsula,” said Justine Johnson, Michigan Chief Mobility Officer at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Through public-private partnerships such as this, we are igniting a catalyst for innovation that will drive long-term growth in a transformative sector—benefiting both public services and private enterprise alike.”
“At ANRA, we’re committed to building the digital infrastructure needed to safely scale drone operations across the country,” said Amit Ganjoo, Founder and CEO of ANRA Technologies. “This project in Chippewa County is not just about deploying technology, it’s about demonstrating how public-private collaboration can unlock real value for communities through smarter, more secure airspace management.”
Chippewa County’s location, bordering Canada and near international waterways like the St. Marys River, makes it an ideal launch point for near-border drone operations. Its strategic setting supports real-world testing for cross-border coordination, regulatory alignment, and scalable applications in trade, security, and infrastructure monitoring.
“This project represents a significant leap forward for Chippewa County as we embrace innovative mobility solutions that align with our region’s strengths in aviation, technology, and cross-border logistics,” said Chris Olson, President of the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation. “We’re especially excited to host ANRA’s Operating Picture at the Chippewa County International Airport (CIU), establishing a local hub for real-time drone traffic coordination and regional airspace management.”
The deployment will integrate ANRA’s FAA-authorized airspace management platform with Censys Technologies’ long-endurance UAS, creating a unified operational picture to support missions such as emergency response, infrastructure inspection, and logistics. Censys brings deep expertise as a national leader in securing regulatory approvals for advanced drone operations, making them an ideal partner for demonstrating how BVLOS flights can be safely and compliantly scaled in real-world environments.
“Deploying our UAS alongside ANRA’s platform in a mission-critical, near-border environment showcases how American-made drone technology can deliver real impact,” said Trevor Perrott, CEO of Censys Technologies. “We’re honored to be part of a project that pairs innovation with regional purpose.”
In addition to conducting drone operations, Michigan Tech Research Institute will lead data analytics and performance evaluation activities, leveraging local testing infrastructure and decades of research excellence in autonomy and remote sensing.
“MTRI is excited to contribute our technical expertise, both in the field and in the lab to ensure that project outcomes are measurable, scalable, and scientifically sound,” said Dr. Colin Brooks, Transportation Program Area Manager at MTRI. “We see this as a proving ground for both policy and technology.”
Michigan is jumpstarting its advanced air mobility economy by building the infrastructure and partnerships needed for safe, scalable UAS operations. In July of 2025, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Directive 2025-4 Establishing the Michigan Advanced Air Mobility Initiative and through programs like MMFP, the state is laying a foundation for growth in advanced air mobility, attracting investment, and expanding opportunities in commercial, public safety, and logistics sectors.
“Chippewa’s location, terrain, and access to diverse users make it a perfect place to mature UAS systems,” said Melinda Marion, Precision Approach LLC. “This project demonstrates the strength of Michigan’s ecosystem and the value of cross-sector collaboration.”
The project’s initial phase will begin in July 2025 with partner alignment, tabletop exercises, and simulation activities. Live flights and real-world missions will follow in 2026, with final results expected by Q3 2026.
