Adnan Hiroli, a prominent figure in the uncrewed vehicle sector, recently garnered the Global UAV Contribution Award at the Global UAV Grand Ceremony during the Drone World Conference 2025, a testament to his significant contributions to the rapidly advancing field of drone technology. Hiroli, the visionary behind DroneX and the Uncrewed Tech Expo, has been instrumental in creating platforms that not only showcase innovations but also foster collaboration among industry stakeholders.
The inception of the Uncrewed Tech Expo can be traced back to Hiroli’s keen observations and extensive discussions with industry insiders who recognized the swift progression of drone technology, particularly within the aerial domain. Despite the impressive advancements in various individual sectors, a unified platform that encapsulated the entire uncrewed and robotics ecosystem was notably absent. This gap was especially pronounced for organizations operating in both commercial and defense sectors.
Hiroli’s vision was to craft an event that transcended the conventional trade show format. He aspired to create a space that actively promotes innovation, connects key players, and facilitates meaningful collaboration across four primary sectors: emergency services, defense, commercial operations, and research. The success of DroneX, now regarded as Europe’s leading UAV event, reinforced the need for a broader and more inclusive showcase. The Uncrewed Tech Expo emerged as a natural evolution of this vision, driven by the demand for a dedicated platform that supports and enhances the uncrewed technology sector.
As the expo continues to evolve, its focus on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs), uncrewed maritime systems, and space autonomy has been shaped by direct feedback from industry participants. These areas have consistently demonstrated high potential and immediate demand, particularly within commercial and defense applications. Acknowledging the growing importance of emergency services and academic research, the expo has developed into a well-balanced ecosystem of early adopters and forward-thinking innovators.
The landscape of uncrewed technology is witnessing rapid advancements, with UAVs becoming integral to aerial inspections in sectors like oil and gas, UGVs revolutionizing infrastructure monitoring, maritime systems aiding in oceanographic research, and space autonomy enhancing AI-powered navigation. The expo has adapted to these changes by deepening the content available in each focus area, offering programming tailored to the specific needs of each sector. This adaptability is evident in the dedicated theatre spaces for each sector, equipped to accommodate both seated attendees and standing guests, as well as keynote stages designed for high-level engagement among industry leaders.
The convergence of diverse technologies within the uncrewed vehicle industry is particularly noteworthy. Innovations in autonomy, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are enabling cross-domain collaborations that transcend traditional boundaries. Hiroli emphasizes the importance of showcasing this convergence through dynamic content, including cross-sector panels and collaborative exhibits, which highlight the fluidity of these fields. The Uncrewed Tech Expo stands out as a crucial meeting ground for established companies and ambitious startups alike.
As the uncrewed vehicle industry mirrors the rapid growth of the space sector, it is increasingly branching into specialized niches such as last-mile delivery drones and autonomous underwater inspection systems. Hiroli acknowledges that while niche expos are becoming more prevalent, the true value lies in connecting these niches. Rather than competing with existing events, the Uncrewed Tech Expo aims to provide identity and value to organizations operating across multiple domains. With many companies today offering solutions that span air, land, sea, and space, the expo reflects this reality.
For those interested in pursuing a career in technology, particularly within the uncrewed vehicle sector, Hiroli offers encouraging advice. He stresses that the field is multidisciplinary, thriving on expertise from various domains such as operations, policy, logistics, safety, communications, and even marketing. His own journey into the industry was not rooted in engineering, which he now views as an advantage. A fresh perspective often allows for the identification of opportunities that others might overlook.
Events like the Uncrewed Tech Expo and DroneX serve as vital gateways for individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage with a sector that is rapidly evolving and shaping the future. Hiroli encourages aspiring professionals to immerse themselves in the industry by attending events, networking with established figures, and maintaining an insatiable curiosity. The uncrewed technology sector is on an upward trajectory, offering ample opportunities for meaningful contributions, regardless of one’s technical background.
As we look ahead, the uncrewed vehicle industry is poised for remarkable growth, driven by innovation and the blending of technologies across various sectors. The Uncrewed Tech Expo stands as a testament to this evolution, providing a platform for collaboration, innovation, and the sharing of ideas that will undoubtedly shape the future of unmanned systems.
