A state-of-the-art drone facility, “The Full Sail University Drone Innovation Center,” officially opened recently in Orlando.
The Full Sail University Drone Innovation Center indoor educational facility will serve students studying in the university’s entertainment media and emerging technologies focused degree programs including Simulation Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Live Event Production and more. As one of the few U.S. higher education institutions offering these degrees under “one roof,” Full Sail University plans to push the edges of drone tech innovation at this critical time using cross-functional teams comprised of students from AI, simulation engineering, AR/VR, software engineering, IT, computer science, and cybersecurity.
The facility features six designated areas dedicated to the following:
- Advanced Airspace: This indoor, fully netted, 3,564-square-foot flight zone supports drone races, autonomous navigation, safety security and defense applications.
- Communications: This dedicated space within the facility serves as a communications hub, fully equipped for podcasting, live streaming, and a range of multimedia communications needs.
- Engineering: This space houses hardware and serves as an engineering hub for students.
- Remote Operations: Designed to mimic remote operation environments commonly used in live event production, business, as well as military and defense applications, here students will learn to monitor, coordinate, and control drone operations from a distance.
- Simulation & Programming: Here students test flight simulations using AI, computer vision, and drone simulation software such as VelociDrone.
- Situation Room: This multipurpose room will allow educators and students to debrief, review flight footage, learn new flight control software, and collaborate on next steps for ongoing drone projects.
Full Sail University’s commitment to drone innovation and education continues to grow in response to the needs of this ever-evolving industry. In 2025, a student-led Full Sail Drone Club was launched to bring together students from various degree programs who are passionate about drone technology. In August 2024, the United States National Drone Association established its national headquarters on Full Sail’s campus, further solidifying the university’s position as a hub for collaboration and innovation. Building on years of pioneering work in emerging technologies, Full Sail University is rapidly strengthening the U.S. forefront of where drone innovation, technical mastery, and creative vision converge to shape the next generation of student experiences.
Faculty, students, staff and a plethora of invited guests were on hand in celebration of the recent ribbon cutting to open and tour the more than 7,870 square foot multi purpose-built Drone Innovation Center on the university’s Winter Park, Florida campus.
“Today marks the first day that the Drone Innovation Center is open at Full Sail University. This space gives students across both the emerging technologies and entertainment media degree programs the opportunity to learn how drone technology best serves a wide array of sectors ranging from commercial, industrial, and business, to media, military, live events, entertainment and more,” said Haifa Maamar, PhD, Executive Director of Emerging Technologies at Full Sail University. “We are proud to welcome this new facility to our university, and we cannot wait to see the inspired innovations that will be developed by our students here.”
