Today and Tomorrow – Global Benchmarks for UAS-Applications
On December 9th, 2025, AIRlabs Austria invites you to the 6th AIRlabs Future Conference at Graz Airport. Under the motto “ Today and Tomorrow – Global Benchmarks for UAS-Applications”, we will look back on six years of pioneering research, strong partnerships, and unique innovations in the field of unmanned aviation – and take a joint look into the future of drone technologies and international collaboration.
Six years of innovation. A look back – and ahead into the future of unmanned aviation.
The conference will also highlight the successful years of AIRlabs Austria as an innovation laboratory – funded by the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility, and Infrastructure (BMIMI) and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) – and take a forward-looking view beyond the funding period: What comes next after the completion of the program? Which new pathways are emerging, and what opportunities lie ahead for research, industry, and authorities?
From vision to reality – six years of AIRlabs Austria
Since its launch in 2020, AIRlabs Austria has evolved into a leading innovation hub for UAS applications. New test areas were established, cutting-edge technologies were tested, and national and international cooperation projects were realized.
As an innovation laboratory funded by the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility, and infrastructure (BMIMI) and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), AIRlabs Austria has played a key role in shaping the national drone research landscape over the past six years.
The Future Conference provides the perfect setting to reflect on these milestones – and to showcase how Austria has become a leading research location for UAS applications. At the same time, the focus will be on the future of AIRlabs Austria – with new perspectives, partnerships, and goals beyond the funding period.
Future topics in focus – what to expect
- Keynote and Live Demo – State of the Art: Drone Applications in the Energy Sector: How drones are transforming the inspection, maintenance, and monitoring of energy infrastructures – practical, innovative, and featuring a live on-site demonstration.
- Qualification and Training of Remote Pilots: Which skills and certifications will be essential in the future, and how can pilots and professionals best prepare?
- Legal and Regulatory Developments in the UAS Sector:What has changed in recent years, and which adjustments are still needed?
- IFIRE: Exciting insights into the latest research progress, the test area and the background to an extraordinary research project in the field of UAS safety.
AIRlabs 2.0 – The next Chapter
What will AIRlabs 2.0 bring? What opportunities and collaborations lie ahead for research partners, operators, and stakeholders?
Curious about AIRlabs 2.0? Let’s talk – either before the event or directly at the Future Conference.
Special Guest: FH JOANNEUM Arctic Expedition Team
The Arctic Expedition Team will take participants on a short journey through their scientific fieldwork in extreme environments.
Networking, insights, and international exchange
In addition to inspiring sessions, the AIRlabs Future Conference offers plenty of opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and enjoy regional culinary highlights.
Over local cuisine and an international atmosphere, participants can connect across disciplines and borders – because innovation happens where diverse perspectives come together. This spirit has always been at the core of AIRlabs Austria.
Airlabs today and tomorrow – be part of it
After six years of successful research and collaboration, AIRlabs Austria looks ahead with confidence.
The AIRlabs Future Conference 2025 bridges reflection and vision, technology and dialogue – and demonstrates how Austria continues to set standards in the international UAS field.
The participation fee is €190.00 (plus VAT) and includes catering and conference materials.
Register now by email at [office@airlabs.at] – we look forward to welcoming you at the Future Conference!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone at [+43 316 5453 5500].
Location: Graz Airport
Date: December 9th, 2025
Agenda
01
Morning
- 10:00 – 10:10 Welcome
- 10:10 – 10:30 Highlights from 6 years AIRlabs and glimpse into the future
- 10:30 – 11:15 Keynote speech and live demonstration – State-of-the-art use of drones in the energy industry, Nils Gageik (EMQopter)
- 11:15 – 11:30 Coffee break
- 11:30 – 12:15 The Italian Success Story: From USSP certification and CISP certification to operational Excellence, Alberto Iovino
- 12:15 – 12:45 Drone Law from a Bird’s-Eye View – Current Legal Developments, Raphael Höfer (SAXINGER Rechtsanwalts GmbH)
- 12:45 – 12:50 Pitch – Reaching new limits with extended payload operations, Stefan Hölzl-Strohmayr (Drohnenring GmbH)
- 12:50 – 13:45 Lunch
02
Afternoon
- 13:45 – 14:15 Icing Forecast in Real Environment – Safe Operations Despite Icing Risks, Robin Niederl (AIRlabs Austria)
Arno Fallast (FH JOANNEUM) - 14:15 – 14:45 TakeOff Qualification Network “Drone Expert”: Establishment of a national qualification network for comprehensive training of drone experts in Austria”, Gernot Paulus (FH Kärnten)
- 14:45 – 15:00 Coffee Break
- 15:00 – 15:45 Some Benchmark Examples from Research and Development at the Arctic Aviation Hub, Magnus Wiklund (Arctic Aviation Hub)
- 15:45 – 16:30 Panel discussion – The Economics of Drone Applications – What Makes a Region Competitive?
- 16:30 – 16:40 The Worldchampions – Winners of the AIAA DBF Contest, joanneum Aeronautics
- 16:40 – 16:55Our Membership Model – What Does the Future Hold with AIRlabs 2.0?
- 16:55 – 17:00 Special Announcement
- 17:00 – 18:00 Cocktail & Networking
- 18:00 – 21:00 Dinner and AET (Arctic Expedition Team) Dinnerspeech, FHJ Arctic Expedition Team
