Natural disasters are inevitable, but failed rescue missions do not have to be.
At GoAERO, we’re fostering the next generation of innovators, engineers, and entrepreneurs who are designing cutting-edge pilotless aerial vehicles. These revolutionary aircraft have the potential to save countless lives during natural disasters, whether wildfire, flood, hurricane or heatwave.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that natural disasters will worsen in the coming decades, causing trillions of dollars of damage annually and increasing the number of climate refugees.
Experts warn the need for drone technology and other AI-infused efforts will become more urgent as weather and climate conditions worsen. The emergency response aircraft being developed by the teams competing in the GoAERO Prize will be versatile, capable of delivering medical professionals and aid, as well as evacuating those in need of assistance—in both urban and rural environments.

Gwen Lighter, founder and CEO of GoAERO, stresses the importance of diverse solutions in emergency response innovation: “Our goal isn’t simply to create a one-size-fits-all aircraft, but to inspire a range of flyers that can adapt to various situations.
GoAERO challenges engineers, innovators, students, entrepreneurs, and emergency responders to think critically about the most effective devices for specific emergency scenarios.
For instance, tornadoes require immediate shelter with little warning, while hurricanes typically allow more preparation time, according to the National Weather Service.
Urban communities, which have higher density, present unique challenges compared to rural ones, and GoAERO wants to ensure that competition entries can meet diverse needs, potentially becoming the next breakthrough in life-saving technology.
Lighter emphasizes, “Emergency responders risk their lives to help those in need. They deserve access to the most advanced, versatile technologies capable of performing a wide array of rescue missions. The GoAERO Prize hopes to inspire and catalyze the creation of affordable, roadable, versatile, and autonomy-enabled Emergency Response Aircraft that will help close a critical gap in emergency response technology.”
**Form a Team at www.HeroX.com/GoAERO Join Us. Save Lives.**