In a remarkable journey that began in a study lounge at MIT, three Norwegian students have launched Aviant, a drone delivery service that is changing the landscape of logistics in remote areas. Lars Erik Fagernæs, Herman Øie Kolden, and Bernhard Paus Græsdal first met during the MIT Professional Education Advanced Study Program in 2019. Their shared experiences, including a challenging English exam, laid the foundation for a partnership that would eventually lead to the creation of a company dedicated to delivering essential goods in a sustainable manner. As the world faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, these innovators recognized an opportunity to leverage drone technology for critical services.
In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Aviant was born out of necessity. The founders initially focused on flying blood samples across Norway's vast and often isolated countryside to assist remote hospitals in diagnosing COVID-19. This service not only addressed urgent healthcare needs but also highlighted the potential for drone technology in logistics. As the pandemic receded, the demand for medical sample delivery remained, prompting Aviant to expand its offerings to include grocery deliveries, over-the-counter medications, and takeout food for communities outside urban centers.
With the backing of the Norwegian government and various venture capital firms, Aviant secured millions in funding to pursue its vision of last-mile delivery. Fagernæs explained that while entering the consumer market involves higher risks, the potential rewards are substantial. The founders recognized that emphasizing the environmental benefits of drone deliveries compared to traditional road transport could be a key factor in gaining public acceptance. To date, Aviant has flown over 30,000 kilometers, saving approximately 4,440 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions that would have resulted from conventional delivery methods.
Aviant's drones, affectionately dubbed "Viking drones," are engineered to withstand Norway's harsh winter conditions and high winds, making them well-suited for remote areas across Europe and the United States. This adaptability is crucial as the company aims to expand its reach beyond Norway. The founders are aware of the competition, particularly from major players like Alphabet, and remain committed to continuously improving their technology to maintain a competitive edge.
The success of Aviant can be attributed in part to the rigorous education and collaborative environment fostered at MIT. The founders credit their professors and mentors, particularly Mark Drela and Russ Tedrake, for their invaluable guidance in the early stages of developing their drone technology. Fagernæs recalls how he approached Drela with fundamental questions about drone aerodynamics, only to discover that he was consulting one of the leading experts in the field. This kind of mentorship has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of Aviant.
Aviant's commitment to sustainability is a core principle that drives its operations. The founders made a conscious choice to develop electric drones instead of gasoline-powered alternatives, despite the latter's longer flight ranges. Kolden emphasized that their decision stemmed from a desire to address climate-related issues, which they had studied during their time at MIT. This dedication to environmentally friendly practices is reflected in the company's mission to provide efficient delivery solutions while minimizing its carbon footprint.
As the demand for automated solutions grows, the founders of Aviant see their drones as part of the solution to pressing societal challenges. Kolden acknowledged initial concerns about creating a dystopian future where human interactions are replaced by machines. However, after engaging in discussions with industry experts and considering Norway's aging population, he concluded that drones could play a vital role in ensuring that essential goods, such as food and medicine, reach those in need, especially in underserved areas.
Fagernæs and Kolden remain committed to the MIT mission of working for the betterment of humankind. Their journey from students to entrepreneurs exemplifies how innovative thinking and collaboration can lead to meaningful solutions in today's world. With their sights set on expanding Aviant's impact, they are poised to redefine logistics and remote care through sustainable drone technology.
