SPH Engineering opens 2026 global drone operations awards
SPH Engineering has opened applications for the Global Drone Operations Awards 2026. The international program recognizes drone operations that solve complex field problems in industrial, scientific and engineering environments.
The 2026 awards cover four categories: Mining & Exploration, Oil & Gas, Construction & Engineering, and Academia & Research. The sectors were selected because teams in those fields often need high-confidence data from remote, hazardous or costly-to-access sites.
The program reflects a broader shift in commercial drone use. UAVs are increasingly being used to collect operational data for field decisions, rather than only aerial imagery for reports or visual records.
Entries will be judged on technical complexity, data quality, innovation, operational execution, business outcomes and measurable impact. The jury includes Matt Collins, Cian B. Dawson and Jan Francke, with one additional juror to be announced later.
Finalists and winners will gain exposure across drone, geospatial and industrial technology audiences. Winners will also be invited to an October 2026 event in Budapest, Hungary, where participants will compare proven field workflows and discuss how advanced drone methods can move from isolated projects into standard practice; application details are available on the program page.