Driven by Legislative Vision, Ohio’s Statewide Drone First Responder Program Takes Flight Under SkyfireAI Management

October 9, 2025

COLUMBUS, OH (October 8, 2025) —SkyfireAI (www.skyfireai.com) today announced that it has been selected by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to serve as program manager, in collaboration with CAL Analytics—ODOT’s unmanned traffic management software partner— for the Ohio Drone First Responder (DFR) Pilot Program, a historic initiative that represents the first statewide deployment of DFR technology in the United States. Created under Ohio House Bill 96, this two-year pilot program will evaluate how drones can improve situational awareness, reduce emergency response times, and enhance the safety of first responders across law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies.

“Ohio’s statewide DFR program isn’t just a first — it’s the blueprint.,” said Don Mathis, Co-Founder and CEO SkyfireAI. “We commend Ohio’s vision in creating the nation’s first statewide DFR program, and we are honored to be entrusted with managing its execution. By unifying policy, training, and technology under one roof, Ohio is making DFR accessible to every community, especially rural departments that could never justify a standalone program. This is how we scale safe autonomy, save minutes, and save lives.”

“Ohio is proving once again that we are the HOME of aviation and at the forefront of aviation innovation,” said State Representative Bernie “Bunyan” Willis, Chair of the Ohio House Transportation Committee. “By launching the first statewide Drone First Responder program, we are showing how unmanned aerial systems can enhance public safety, accelerate emergency response, and strengthen our communities. This program is not just about technology—it’s about saving lives and setting the standard for the rest of the nation.”

ODOT’s Leadership in Aviation Innovation
Through its DriveOhio initiative and UAS Center, ODOT has led the nation in advancing advanced aviation and drone integration. Since 2013, ODOT’s UAS Center has managed statewide efforts fostering
collaboration between public, private, and academic sectors to push aviation technology forward.

SkyfireAI emphasized that this program reflects ODOT’s leadership and commitment to public safety innovation, noting that Ohio is setting a precedent for other states to follow.

“Ohio has long been a leader in advanced aviation, and this program takes that commitment to the next level,” said Richard Fox, Director of the DriveOhio UAS Center. “By launching the nation’s first statewide
Drone First Responder initiative, we are not only giving first responders tools to save lives and protect communities, but also setting a model for how states can safely integrate drone technology at scale.”

SkyfireAI’s Role as Program Manager
As program manager, SkyfireAI will oversee every phase of the pilot — from coordinating with vendors and municipalities to select and install rooftop drone systems, to ensuring compliance with FAA
regulations, to training operators on best practices for DFR deployment.

SkyfireAI brings extensive experience to this role, having managed and operated municipal DFR programs in several cities across the country and spearheaded medical drone delivery pilot programs
and disaster response initiatives with CVS Health. The company’s expertise spans UAS integration, FAA waiver navigation, UAS traffic management (UTM), and large-scale public safety training.

In addition, SkyfireAI’s advancements in artificial intelligence and automated data analysis provide a pathway for scaling the program even further. This program paves the path for BVLOS-enabled
autonomy, multi-ship ops, even and true 24/7 coverage where single-agency economics don’t work. The integration of AI could support rapid damage assessment, automated detection of hazards, and
more efficient resource deployment — capabilities that will help expand the reach and impact of DFR programs statewide and nationally.

CAL Analytics Role as Lead Integrator
As a technical integrator for this initiative, CAL Analytics will collaborate with drone manufacturers and first responders across Ohio to connect them to statewide services that enable safe, coordinated drone operations. This includes development of the nation’s first statewide Uncrewed Traffic Management
(UTM) system, designed to strategically deconflict drone activity and ensure operational safety. A network of airspace monitoring and detection sensors will also provide enhanced situational awareness
for DFR operators by identifying and tracking nearby aircraft.

Program Highlights
Over the next two years, the Ohio DFR Pilot Program will equip municipalities with advanced drone systems, deliver comprehensive training for first responders, and enable FAA-approved Beyond Visual
Line of Sight operations. By standardizing statewide procedures, collecting and analyzing performance data, and engaging communities through transparent outreach, the program will demonstrate how drones can become a trusted, life-saving tool for public safety agencies across Ohio and beyond.

Learn more about SkyfireAI visit: www.skyfireai.com

About SkyfireAI:
SkyfireAI is an AI-native drone technology company redefining mission-scale autonomy for public safety, defense, and enterprise markets. Our cloud-connected and edge-enabled software platform powers autonomous swarming, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, and realtime AI analytics—unlocking faster response, smarter decision-making, and safer operations. Built for scalability, SkyfireAI’s solutions deliver repeatable, high-value outcomes across thousands of missions, positioning the company to capitalize on a rapidly expanding global uncrewed systems market projected to exceed $100 billion by 2030. More information is available at skyfireai.com.

About Cal Analytics:
CAL Analytics is focused on the development of aviation and autonomous systems. Located in Dayton, OH and founded in 2010, CAL has expertise in navigation systems, remote sensing, signal analysis, and information fusion. CAL is a leader in UAS Traffic Management (UTM) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology, offering airspace management, mission management, detect and avoid, and in-time system-wide safety assurance (ISSA) solutions. Our mission is to provide agile and rigorous approaches to bring new technologies to the world. To learn more about CAL Analytics, please visit: calanalytics.com

About ODOT’s DriveOhio Initiative:
DriveOhio is the state’s center for smart mobility, advancing connected, automated, shared, and electric transportation. The UAS Center, located in Springfield, OH, is the statewide resource for uncrewed aircraft systems testing, integration, and operations.

Media Contact:
Justin McCarthy
Email: Justin@skyfireai.com