$340K investment to consolidate drone operations, training, and data processing in new Louisiana facility
LAFAYETTE, La. (November 2025) — Drone Institute, LLC announced a $340,000 expansion of its Lafayette headquarters, consolidating drone operations, data processing, and pilot training under one roof to support national growth in aerial imaging and industrial data solutions.
The expansion is projected to create 610 direct new jobs over the next decade, while retaining seven existing positionsin Lafayette Parish. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) estimates an additional 758 indirect jobs, for a total impact of 1,368 new job opportunities across the Acadiana Region.
The announcement marks Lafayette’s second major drone industry project in the past month, signaling a growing technology cluster in Louisiana’s emerging unmanned systems sector.
“Drone Institute’s expansion in Lafayette reflects the growing momentum of Louisiana’s innovation economy,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “This project strengthens our state’s position as a center for drone technology and highlights Acadiana’s talent in shaping the future of advanced industry.”
New Facility to Support National Drone Operations, Pilot Training & Industrial Imaging
Located at 105 Dorest Avenue in Lafayette, the new headquarters will house flight operations, production teams, and geospatial data processing. The site will also serve as a hub for training drone pilots and software specialists supporting infrastructure, energy, and industrial inspection missions nationwide.
“Drone Institute is changing how we see the world from above,” said Drone Institute CEO George Femmer. “This expansion allows us to build smarter drone systems and data products that help clients work safer, faster and with deeper insight—while choosing to grow our company right here in Lafayette and Louisiana.”
Drone Institute partners with regional tech companies, including SOLA Drones, as part of a coordinated effort to grow Louisiana’s unmanned aerial systems ecosystem.
Construction Timeline and Technology Expansion
Construction is set to begin by the end of 2025, with the facility scheduled for completion by July 2026. During the build-out, the company will continue scaling operational capacity to meet national demand for inspection and data services.
“The Drone Institute’s expansion is a big win for Lafayette,” said Lafayette Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet. “With more than 600 new jobs coming, this project will make a real difference and build on strong partnerships driving innovation across Lafayette Parish.”
Competitive Incentives to Support Workforce and Facility Improvements
To secure the expansion, the state of Louisiana offered a competitive incentives package that includes:
- LED FastStart workforce development
- $300,000 performance-based grant for facility renovations
- Eligibility for Louisiana’s High Impact Jobs Program
- Eligibility for Research & Development Tax Credit
Regional economic groups emphasized that growing clusters of drone-related companies—including Drone Institute, FlyGuys, and DMR’s recent announcement—are accelerating Lafayette’s position as a national hub for unmanned systems.
“This clustering effect will attract additional suppliers, service providers, and talent to the region,” said Mandi D. Mitchell, President & CEO, Lafayette Economic Development Authority.
About Drone Institute, LLC
Drone Institute is a Louisiana-founded technology company specializing in drone-based inspection, nondestructive testing, and industrial data products. Using a combination of skilled pilots, proprietary software pipelines, and advanced imaging, the company helps industrial clients improve safety, compliance, and operational efficiency across energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors.
From its headquarters in Lafayette, Drone Institute is working to position Louisiana as a national hub for drone innovation.
About Louisiana Economic Development (LED)
Louisiana Economic Development drives statewide job creation, capital investment, and business expansion. Learn more at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
