Taking Flight: Ventura County to Launch Advanced Air Mobility Innovation Center!
Big news is buzzing above Ventura County—
and it’s not just a drone.
The County’s Economic Vitality Unit, in collaboration with leading partners, has secured a $550,000 Catalyst Grant to launch a first-of-its-kind Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Innovation Center right here at home.
This effort, awarded through Uplift Central Coast, is part of a bold move to transform Ventura County into a regional hub for next-generation air technology, sustainable aviation, and high-wage career creation.
A 500-Square-Mile Launchpad
The Innovation Center will establish a dedicated testing range at Camarillo and Oxnard Airports, covering 500 square miles of controlled airspace. The range will support testing of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS)—technologies that are not just futuristic, but greener, quieter, and closer to takeoff than you think.
Testing will follow strict FAA protocols and make up only 5% of daily airport operations—balancing innovation with impact.
Powered by Collaboration
The project is led by the County’s Economic Vitality Unit, in partnership with:
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The Department of Airports, managing facilities and testing oversight
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FutureLabs/FATHOMWERX, bridging private innovation and Naval Base Ventura County tech
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Ventura County Community College District, developing career pathways and workforce training to meet the industry’s growing demand
From research and prototyping to workforce readiness, this initiative builds a full pipeline for economic growth, industry expansion, and inclusive opportunity.
Why It Matters
Ventura County has the infrastructure. The talent. The vision. Now, with strategic investment and a regional mandate, it’s creating something bigger: an innovation ecosystem built to launch sustainable air mobility and the businesses that will drive it.
Whether you’re a startup looking to test, an educator building the next-gen workforce, or a company eyeing the future of transport—this is your runway.
Want to Stay In-the-Know or Get Involved?
Predevelopment activities start now, with investments landing by Summer 2026.
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Contact the Economic Vitality Unit at (805) 654-2650
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Explore Uplift Central Coast and the Catalyst Grant Program: upliftcentralcoast.org
Ventura County is ready for liftoff. The only question is—
are you coming with us?
What can we help you find?
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