releases: https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5767627F-207E-4653-B26A-340D38505C09
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5767627F-207E-4653-B26A-340D38505C09 | Heitkamp Highlights Innovation in ND UAS Industry at Packet Digital, Botlink | 2016-09-23 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a strong supporter of North Dakota’s growing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry, today toured Packet Digital in Fargo to learn more about its ground-breaking technology to increase energy efficiency and battery life as well as the affiliated Botlink, another Fargo-based startup on the forefront of UAS development. Packet Digital, a women-owned small business in Fargo, specializes in innovative power management applications, including a new technology that extends battery life by 400 percent in wireless sensors. Its cutting-edge technology has the potential to expand UAS applications in fields such as precision agriculture and infrastructure inspection – helping farmers work more efficiently, and make sure inspections of railroads and pipelines are done effectively. In June 2014, Packet Digital partnered with Aerobatic Innovations to form Botlink, which Heitkamp also toured. Botlink develops technology for pilots, allowing them to track their aircraft in flight using real-time mapping technologies, communicate with air traffic control and other pilots, and receive real-time aircraft avoidance and assurance alerts. “North Dakota is a known leader in the UAS industry, and it’s critical that we capitalize on this momentum to keep our businesses and state on the cutting edge,” said Heitkamp. “Today at Packet Digital and Botlink, I saw firsthand the commitment of these women-owned companies to turn ideas into reality by making the applications necessary to help businesses thrive. Packet Digital and Botlink are at the forefront of our state’s UAS revolution, and I’ll keep working to encourage a business-friendly climate that bolsters their innovative work, as well as the public-private partnerships the UAS industry needs to prosper.” For years, Heitkamp has worked to advance emerging UAS technologies across the state. In 2014, she brought the FAA Administrator to North Dakota to announce the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks and successfully pressed the FAA to remove barriers blocking the test site’s flight operations. Heitkamp continues to work to encourage safe commercial use of UAS, introducing bipartisan legislation last year that would remove red tape for UAS research, open the door to more private investment, and save taxpayer money. Through her role on the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Heitkamp has been a strong advocate for women-owned small businesses. Last year, Heitkamp brought Cabinet Member U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet to North Dakota to hear unique challenges rural small businesses face. Heitkamp and Contreras-Sweet met with successful female entrepreneurs in Bismarck about collaborative strategies to encourage and support women-owned small businesses, and about how to overcome roadblocks they face in starting or growing their businesses. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |