What is the NorthSky Consortium?
The NorthSky Consortium is a regional alliance formed to position Traverse City and northern Michigan as an Uncrewed Innovation Zone – a national leader in UAS, AAM, and UMS. Led by Traverse Connect, Northwestern Michigan College, and 20Fathoms, the Consortium brings together public, private, academic, and defense stakeholders to drive innovation, workforce development, and economic growth. This collaborative model ensures strategic alignment through planning, shared resources, and joint funding efforts.
In coordination with state agencies, FAA regulators, the Michigan National Guard, and local communities, the NorthSky Consortium is creating a scalable and sustainable ecosystem for drone innovation. This cooperative framework is essential to unlocking the region’s full potential and attracting long-term investment in the drone and mobility sectors.
Six Strategic Pillars of the NorthSky Consortium
- Community Engagement & Business Attraction
- Industry Partnerships & Research Integration
- Workforce Development & Academic Innovation
- BVLOS Zone Development
- UAS Center of Excellence at Yuba
- State Engagement & Advocacy
Advanced Air Mobility in Northern Michigan
Traverse City's Advanced Air Mobility Projects
From education to healthcare, Traverse City is home to a burgeoning advanced air mobility sector, with significant opportunities for growth in use cases such as public safety, rural healthcare delivery, and BlueTech.
Advanced Air Mobility in Northern Michigan
Projects
Drone Medical Delivery
Traverse Connect, Munson Healthcare, DroneUp, blueflite, and Central Michigan University’s Rural Health Equity Institute partnered on a drone medical delivery project. Test flights held in May 2025 piloted the delivery of supplies, lab samples, and medications between facilities in Traverse City and Garfield Township.
Additional pilot projects are scheduled to take place in 2026.
Medical Drone Delivery in Traverse City