CEO of DroneUp, Tom Walker, Featured in Innovator Series
In a remarkable career shift, Tom Walker, a former U.S. naval officer, has transitioned into the role of CEO at DroneUp. Leveraging his military background and technical expertise, Walker founded and scaled DroneUp, starting in 2016.
Walker's journey began with a solid foundation in both military and technical fields. His experience as a U.S. naval officer provided valuable operational and leadership insights relevant to drone and defense technologies. Recognising the potential of advanced consumer drone technology, he made a strategic pivot towards drone services and delivery.
In 2016, Walker founded DroneUp with the goal of scaling drone services nationwide. He built a large network of independent pilots and drone hubs, aiming to solve real logistics problems using unmanned aerial systems. Under his leadership, the company has grown to operate multiple autonomous flights per hour.
One of Walker's key focuses has been the safe integration of autonomous drone technology into national airspace. He guided DroneUp to develop AI-enabled flight coordination and situational awareness platforms, critical for the safe operation of uncrewed aircraft within crowded airspace.
Under Walker's leadership, DroneUp has achieved FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certification and works closely with regulators and defence stakeholders, bridging gaps between traditional aviation and new drone operational needs.
The partnership between DroneUp and Walmart has proven that commercial drone delivery is viable at scale. Thousands of flights have been completed, and consumer demand continues to grow. This partnership is just one example of how Walker is turning policy into practice, partnerships into infrastructure, and innovation into real-world service.
Beyond delivery, DroneUp now offers services including aerial inspection, emergency response coordination, airspace deconfliction, and UTM (Unmanned Traffic Management) integration. Under Walker's guidance, DroneUp is becoming a full-service drone operations platform, not just a delivery provider.
Walker is also involved in other drone-related initiatives, such as exploring the potential societal impact of drone technology advancements. He advocates for common-sense frameworks that balance innovation with safety, allowing drone companies to grow while supporting public trust.
Walker is a licensed commercial drone operator and a highly respected figure within his local drone community. He works closely with the FAA, state governments, and industry stakeholders to shape responsible regulation for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, drone pilot certification, and UTM (Unmanned Traffic Management) systems.
DroneUp has partnered with other entities, such as ANRA Technologies and Flyeye.io, to further its operations and services. As the CEO of DroneUp, a company focused on making drone delivery practical and scalable for last-mile logistics, Walker continues to lead the way in the rapidly evolving world of drone technology.
Technology plays a significant role in Walker's leadership at DroneUp, as he leverages advanced drone technology and develops AI-enabled flight coordination and situational awareness platforms for safe drone operations. His advocacy also extends to promoting common-sense frameworks for drone regulations, balancing innovation with safety in the rapidly evolving field of drone technology.
