Berkeley Drones and National Test Pilot School Announce Strategic Partnership

Berkeley Drone Technologies (Berkeley Drones) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the National Test Pilot School (NTPS), establishing a strategic partnership that combines advanced research in drone and autonomous systems with professional flight-test education and training.

Founded and led by internationally recognized UC Berkeley engineering professors, Berkeley Drones brings expertise in artificial intelligence, autonomous flight, digital twins, advanced sensing, materials, propulsion, and manufacturing. NTPS brings decades of experience in experimental flight testing and the education of flight-test professionals.

Moving autonomous systems from the laboratory into practical service requires rigorous research, disciplined testing, and well-prepared people. The partnership connects these capabilities, supporting both the development of autonomous technologies and the education of the people who will test and deploy them.

As part of the collaboration, Berkeley Drones’ research expertise will be integrated into the NTPS curriculum, giving students access to advances in autonomy and drone technology alongside established flight-test methods.

Together, Berkeley Drones and NTPS will help military, government, and industry partners develop complete drone and autonomous-systems ecosystems. This work will include customized advanced education, instructor development, and integrated centers connecting research, manufacturing, testing, and workforce development. The goal is to help partners build lasting technological and industrial capabilities.

Learn more about the National Test Pilot School.