Ventura County Secures $550k Grant To Launch Advanced Air Mobility Innovation Center

Ventura County is making a major move toward becoming a regional leader in AAM with the launch of a new Innovation Center, backed by a $550,000 grant from Uplift Central Coast

By Joe Macey
www.aaminternational.com

Ventura County, California, has been awarded a $550,000 Catalyst Grant to develop a dedicated Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Innovation Center—an initiative set to position the region as a leader in next-generation aerospace technologies.

Administered by the County’s Economic Vitality Unit in collaboration with the Department of Airports and regional stakeholders, the grant is part of Uplift Central Coast’s $9 million Catalyst Predevelopment Funding Program. This program supports community-led projects that enhance economic resilience, equity, and environmental sustainability across California’s Central Coast.

Supervisor Janice Parvin, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, said, “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and strategic collaboration among our County departments and regional partners. Securing this grant marks a pivotal step in shaping Ventura County’s future as a hub for innovation and advanced technology. I’m thrilled about the opportunity this creates—not only for the many companies that will benefit from cutting-edge testing facilities and strategic partnerships, but also for the residents who will gain access to high-quality jobs and career pathways in a rapidly growing industry.”

Estelle Bussa, Deputy Executive Officer of Economic Vitality, added, “This grant represents a significant milestone in our efforts to position Ventura County as a leader in Advanced Air Mobility and next-generation transportation technology. Through strategic partnerships with FutureLabs/Fathomwerx, the Ventura County Community College District, and our Department of Airports, we’re creating an ecosystem that will attract high-tech companies while ensuring our local workforce benefits from these opportunities.”

The forthcoming Innovation Center will be anchored at Camarillo and Oxnard Airports and will include a 500-square-mile flight testing corridor designed to accommodate eVTOL aircraft and other unmanned aerial systems (UAS). These emerging technologies promise quieter, more sustainable operations that align with the region’s environmental goals. Testing activities—closely coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration—are expected to represent no more than 5% of daily airport operations.

Beyond flight testing, the Innovation Center will serve as a multifaceted hub offering research infrastructure, business incubation resources, and advanced workforce training programs tailored to the AAM sector. Local businesses will benefit from unprecedented access to testing facilities, defense-related technology transfers, and opportunities for public-private collaboration.

The project unites four core partners:

• County of Ventura Economic Vitality Unit: Oversees program development and regional economic integration.
• County Department of Airports: Provides physical infrastructure and manages operational airspace for AAM testing.
• FutureLabs/Fathomwerx: Acts as a conduit for technology transfer between private industry and Naval Base Ventura County.
• Ventura County Community College District: Leads the creation of training pathways for high-demand AAM careers.

Together, these organizations will foster innovation while ensuring that career development opportunities remain accessible to Ventura County residents. A central aim of the Center is to drive high-wage job creation in sectors such as precision manufacturing and advanced business services—industries recognized for their strong potential to deliver sustainable employment and livable wages.

Keith Freitas, Director of Airports, added, “This initiative demonstrates the power of regional collaboration. By combining our infrastructure with the Economic Vitality Unit’s business development expertise and strong educational and innovation partners, we’re creating unique opportunities to advance sustainable transportation technology while generating quality jobs for our community.”

Initial predevelopment work is underway, with the full investment of grant funding scheduled by summer 2026. As the project progresses, Ventura County is poised to become a key node in the national AAM ecosystem—supporting not only flight innovation but also regional economic growth, talent development, and cross-sector collaboration.

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EVHNews

Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World!

EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation.

EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck.
This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries.

About EVVTOL

• EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs!

• EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology.

• EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain.

(evvtol.org) 877-4EV-VTOL (877-438-8865)

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EVHNews

Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World! EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation. EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck. This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries. About EVVTOL • EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs! • EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology. • EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain. (evvtol.org) 877-4EV-VTOL (877-438-8865)

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