Atlantic County Economic Alliance launches 'FlightPlan' aviation accelerator

Seven aviation-related companies from New York and New Jersey have been selected to participate in a six-week inaugural cohort of FightPlan, the Aviation Accelerator.

This innovative program is one of many initiatives being developed by the Atlantic County Economic Alliance in cooperation with the Smart Airport and Aviation Partnership. The SAAP is located at the National Aviation Research and Technology Park in Egg Harbor Township and administered by the National Institute of Aerospace, a renowned aviation leader headquartered in Hampton, Virginia.

Participants will benefit from personalized mentoring by aviation and business experts, interaction with aviation leaders, custom courses and workshops that address the challenges of starting, operating and sustaining a company, as well as strategic funding guidance.

We are extremely excited to welcome these companies and help foster their growth and development, ACEA Executive Director Lauren H. Moore, Jr. said in a release. Promoting these opportunities is yet another significant aspect of the aviation innovation hub. We want to cultivate an environment of collaboration and creativity that benefits all participants.

The program will be held during May and June. At its conclusion, participants will present their ventures at a regional innovation forum at the FAA Technical Center in Egg Harbor Township. They will also be eligible to apply for grants to perform aviation-related research.

Participants in this first cohort include:

• AeroDefense of Holmdel - This counter-UAS company has a patented drone detection system that locates drones and pilots through radio frequency signals, alerts appropriate emergency management personnel, and offers flexible deployment options.


• Arke Aeronautics of Mount Laurel - Arke Aeronautics has developed a life-saving Situational Intelligence Platform for First Responders that gives quick access to information needed to arrive at an emergency faster, respond more effectively and save lives.


• Cellular Tracking Industries of Rio Grande - Cellular Tracking Industries is a young company but already a global leader in wildlife telemetry, creating tracking devices with pinpoint GPS accuracy that transmit over the cellular network.


• Geomatix of Bordentown - Geomatix offers precision aerial mapping, 3-D modeling and remote sensing solutions for professional surveying, civil engineering, environmental/ecological, real estate and construction sectors.


• Hummingbird Release of Cape May - Founded by an aviation innovator, this company delivers aerial release of cremains via specially equipped drones that customize and document the release.


• Reign Maker of New York City - Reign Maker has worked with global government agencies and engineering firms, operating and adapting drones, sensors and robotic devices for engineering, inspection and asset management projects.


• SkyScape Industries of Manahawkin - An American aerospace subsidiary, SkyScape Industries is a remote sensing company specializing in the use of small, unmanned aircraft systems for critical infrastructure applications.

Funding for this effort is provided through a U.S. Economic Development Authority $1.7 million I-6 Challenge grant awarded to the ACEA, one of only 26 recipients from across the country. The grant funded the creation of the SAAP to attract new businesses into a high-tech economic cluster ideally matched to the region's strengths and assets.

The SAAP includes Atlantic and Cape May county governments, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Rowan University, Stockton University, Atlantic Cape Community College, the South Jersey Transportation Authority and several aviation-related businesses.

SAAP member and Cape May County Freeholder Will Morey noted a unique opportunity provided by the Accelerator.

We are extremely fortunate to have the support of the FAA Tech Center. That and the aviation focus differentiate FlightPlan in key respects from other business accelerators and incubators," he said. Ultimately, the region benefits as much as the companies do from this experience. Working together for six weeks, we get to know one another and that creates long-term synergies."