By Jennifer Sertl
Circle Optics is not only shaping the future of drone technology but also working to influence policymakers to unlock its full potential. As part of these efforts, Founder & CEO Zak Niazi and COO Ian Gauger recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to engage with lawmakers and advocate for appropriations in drone legislation. Their mission? To ensure that advancements in drone technology remain at the forefront of aerospace and defense innovation. Gauger reflected on the trip, stating, “We’re thrilled to have shared our vision for the future of aerospace and defense with lawmakers, and we’re eager to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation.“ Circle Optics is proud to represent Greater Rochester on the national stage, amplifying the voices of innovators and contributing to shaping policies that will define the future of unmanned systems.
Among the many impactful conversations they had was a meeting with U.S. Representative Joe Morelle’s staff. A proud Rochester native, Morelle’s deep ties to the region were evident on the walls of his office. Earlier this year at a TechRochester event, he encapsulated the spirit of the community, saying, “It’s a privilege to be here with so many innovators and creators who make this community extraordinary. Tonight, we’re not just celebrating technology—we’re honoring the spirit of innovation. That’s the spark that transforms an idea into something real and tangible, something that changes lives and moves the world forward. Rochester has a long history of this creative energy, from pioneers like George Eastman at Kodak to the emerging companies shaping the future today.”
His recognition of Rochester as a hub of innovation underscores the importance of fostering collaborations between the region’s innovative companies, like Circle Optics, and policymakers to drive meaningful change.
Galvanizing Policy in the Region
Circle Optics is actively involved in the AUVSI (Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International) community, a leading global organization representing the unmanned systems and robotics industry. AUVSI serves as a critical voice, advocating for policies that remove obstacles to the advancement and deployment of unmanned systems.
NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research) is a significant player in advancing policy advocacy related to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and drone integration into the National Airspace System (NAS). Their work spans various aspects of policy and regulatory development to foster safe and efficient drone operations.
