A fast-growing sector with big opportunities - and real challenges
Drone technology is moving fast. Across Europe, new drone-based services are opening opportunities in construction, agriculture, logistics, inspections, and beyond.
For SMEs and young entrepreneurs, this is an exciting space to enter. But turning a strong idea into a sustainable business is not always easy.
Many new businesses in the drone sector face the same challenges: limited access to practical business training, lack of sector-specific guidance, changing regulations, and uncertainty around how to build services that are both innovative and market-ready.
The opportunity is clear. The support to make it happen needs to be just as clear.
That’s where SME-RISE comes in.
From challenges
to solutions
SME-RISE is a European project running from December 2025 to November 2027, created to help SMEs and young entrepreneurs navigate the fast-moving drone services sector with more confidence.
By connecting business development, vocational education, and innovation, the project supports participants in building the knowledge and mindset needed to explore new opportunities, adapt to changing market conditions, and grow more sustainable businesses in the drone economy.
What we aim
to achieve
01
Build stronger business skills
By developing a practical Drone Business Development Curriculum tailored to the needs of SMEs and young entrepreneurs in the drone services sector.
02
Make learning more hands-on
and engaging
By designing a guidebook and VR-based training experiences inspired by real business challenges and industry applications.
03
Create accessible opportunities
for growth
By building an online platform with learning resources, tools, and opportunities for networking and continuous learning.
04
Help participants stay connected
to industry changes
By creating training content focused on market trends, innovation, and the evolving drone ecosystem across
Focus Countries
SME-RISE currently brings together partners and stakeholders from Portugal, Greece, & Cyprus to collaborate, test ideas, and support innovation in the drone
services sector.