Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student Andrew Mayott saw the need for a drone that could carry heavy loads — so he decided to form his own aerospace startup company to design and build one.

“Many missions in disaster response, infrastructure repair, and defense operations require moving equipment or supplies to locations that are difficult to reach with ground vehicles,” said Mayott, a senior Aerospace Engineering student. “Current drone platforms often lack the payload capacity and endurance needed for these tasks.”

Now, his company, Mayott Aerospace, has garnered attention at the state level after being named as one of the top collegiate winners at the 18th annual Early Stage Venture Conference, hosted by Florida Venture Forum and Space Florida in Orlando. The Florida Venture Forum is the largest statewide support organization for investors and entrepreneurs.

“Winning this award was huge for us,” said Mayott. “It shows we can work well as a team and it allowed us to get our name out there.”

Mayott Aerospace’s 15-member team is designing and building a prototype of Project Stingray, an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) capable of carrying up to 275 pounds. Embry-Riddle sponsored Mayott Aerospace’s entry in the competition, where the company placed third in the collegiate category and was awarded $2,500.

“Andrew and the team did an amazing job and represented the university very well,” said Dr. Stephanie Miller, Embry-Riddle’s executive director of Tech Transfer & Research Park Initiatives.

Building a Startup as a Student

Mayott, a native of Saratoga Springs, New York, said he formed a plan for the company in early 2025 and started working with fellow Aerospace Engineering student Malachi Ewing-Sudds, who focused on the project’s avionics.

“Our drone is unique in that it is designed to be more efficient and lift substantially more weight,” said Mayott, who is COO.  

Other Embry-Riddle students who joined the team included Aerospace Engineering students Jake Dolich and Clancy Crawford. Dolich, the company’s chief technology officer, worked on developing the aircraft systems, while Crawford focused on specialized components using computer-aided design (CAD). Aviation Business Administration student Elek Zubor became the company’s chief operating officer, handling the company’s budgeting and production scheduling

Crawford said her work with Mayott Aerospace has helped her gain real-world experience and network professionally.

“Everyone I work with on our team has the same enthusiasm and dedication to reaching our goal,” she said.

The team planned to compete in the August 2026 DARPA Heavy Lift Challenge, which sought novel drone designs capable of carrying payloads more than four times their weight. But time and financial constraints forced the team to cancel. Mayott said the team is still forging ahead. 

This past spring, Mayott Aerospace placed second at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Launch Your Venture competition, winning a $10,000 prize.

Mayott Aerospace currently occupies a warehouse in Daytona Beach, where the company works with advanced manufacturing equipment, including computerized machining tools and high-end 3D printers. The team has developed a few specialized components while working on Project Stingray. These products include a payload connector and battery management system, which Mayott Aerospace is marketing to uncrewed aircraft system companies to generate additional revenue to fund Project Stingray.

“Our goal is to continue focusing on the products we have developed as a revenue stream,” said Mayott. “We are trying to set up a new industry standard for reliable and safe components.”

Mayott, who also runs a drone videography business, said juggling life as a student and an entrepreneur has meant working long hours and investing a lot of his own money. But he said it’s worth it to turn his dream into reality.

“I love the idea of making my own path in life,” he said.