Vigilant Aerospace Systems has been named a 2026 honoree in Fast Company’s annual Next Big Things in Tech awards.
Fast Company selected 145 honorees across 31 categories. Vigilant Aerospace was one of four recognized in the Robotics and Automation category.
The recognition focused on the company’s FlightHorizon technology. Fast Company recognized Vigilant Aerospace “for bringing better situational airspace awareness to drones.”
Specifically, the publication highlighted FlightHorizon PILOT. The onboard detect-and-avoid system helps uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) maintain separation from other airspace users.
In addition, Fast Company noted Vigilant Aerospace’s ground-based airspace awareness technology for general aviation airports.
Bringing Airspace Awareness Onboard
Fast Company’s Robotics and Automation coverage explains how FlightHorizon PILOT processes transponder signals from nearby aircraft. The system then provides guidance to help uncrewed aircraft maintain separation from other airspace users.
FlightHorizon PILOT combines the company’s software with onboard computing and connected aircraft sensors. First, the system receives ownship telemetry and traffic data. It then builds a real-time picture of the surrounding airspace.
Next, the software evaluates the trajectories of nearby aircraft. When it identifies a potential conflict, it generates appropriate avoidance guidance.
The FlightHorizon PILOT product line includes two configurations:
- FlightHorizon PILOT-C uses Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In (ADS-B In) to monitor cooperative aircraft transmitting their positions.
- FlightHorizon PILOT-M adds onboard radar to monitor non-cooperative aircraft that may not be transmitting ADS-B.
Depending on the integration, the system can send avoidance commands directly to the aircraft’s autopilot. Alternatively, it can provide advisories to a remote pilot through a ground control station.
Extending Airspace Awareness to Airports
Fast Company also highlighted Vigilant Aerospace’s ground-based airspace awareness technology for general aviation airports.
These systems help airports monitor nearby crewed aircraft and drones. They can also provide notifications when tracked traffic enters a designated area. Additionally, recorded flight histories allow airport personnel to review events afterward.
This capability addresses a growing challenge for airports. As drone activity increases, airport personnel need better information about what is happening nearby.
Vigilant Aerospace’s onboard and ground-based products address different parts of this challenge. Onboard systems help individual aircraft evaluate traffic and respond to potential conflicts. Meanwhile, ground-based systems provide a broader view of local airspace activity.
Together, these capabilities support better coordination between crewed and uncrewed aircraft.
How Fast Company Selected the 2026 Honorees
Fast Company selected the 145 honorees from more than 1,000 applicants. Its editors and writers reviewed each submission using four main criteria.
The first was relevancy, or whether the technology addresses a pressing problem. The second was ingenuity, which considered the novelty of the technology.
Judges also evaluated progress and potential. This included evidence that the technology works and can remain viable as it scales. Finally, they considered its potential impact over the next five years.
Each honoree went through multiple rounds of evaluation and discussion. According to Fast Company’s 2026 methodology, the selection process took several months. www.fastcompany.com
The review considered both current accomplishments and future potential. Therefore, the recognition reflects what FlightHorizon has already demonstrated and where the technology could lead.
What the Recognition Means
Fast Company’s recognition reflects the growing importance of airspace awareness and detect-and-avoid technology.
Drones are taking on more commercial, public safety, infrastructure and defense responsibilities. As a result, more crewed and uncrewed aircraft will share low-altitude airspace.
Routine beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations will also require reliable safety systems. For example, operators must be able to monitor traffic and evaluate potential conflicts. They also need timely guidance when separation may be lost.
FlightHorizon is based on two patents licensed from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The technology has since supported flight testing and operational programs across the United States.
Organizations involved in these programs include NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Air Force. Vigilant Aerospace has also worked with UAS test sites, universities and research organizations.
Ultimately, inclusion in the 2026 list provides independent recognition of the company’s work. It highlights Vigilant Aerospace’s efforts to move airspace safety technology from research into practical aviation systems.
View Vigilant Aerospace’s recognition in Fast Company’s Robotics and Automation category and explore the complete 2026 Next Big Things in Tech list.
About Fast Company
Fast Company is a business media publication focused on innovation in technology, leadership, creativity and design. Founded in 1995, the publication covers emerging companies, technologies and business practices influencing the future of business and society. Its recognition programs include Next Big Things in Tech, Most Innovative Companies, Innovation by Design and World Changing Ideas.
Vigilant Aerospace is the leading developer of multi-sensor detect-and-avoid and airspace management software for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS or drones). The company’s product, FlightHorizon, is based on two NASA patents and uses data from multiple sources to display a real-time picture of the air traffic around a UAS and to provide automatic avoidance maneuvers to prevent collisions. The software is designed to meet industry technical standards, to provide automatic safety and to allow UAS to safely fly beyond the sight of the pilot. The software has won multiple industry awards and the company has had contracts and users at NASA, the FAA, the U.S. Department of Defense and with a variety of drone development programs. Visit our website at www.VigilantAerospace.com