Local drone company, Dragonfly enters joint venture with major Canadian drone technology firm

Guyanese drone and geospatial solutions company, Dragonfly Solutions, has entered into a joint venture partnership with Canadian-based tech company, Altomaxx Offshore to advance drone technology, geospatial innovation and workforce development here in Guyana.

The partnership brings together Dragonfly’s local expertise and entrepreneurial vision with Altomaxx’s international experience in drone-enabled inspections, surveying, mapping and data-driven solutions across industries including energy, infrastructure, marine and environmental services.

Together, the companies intend to provide geospatial solutions, while creating opportunities for skills transfer, local content participation and workforce development.

At the launch of the Joint Venture at the Herdmanston Lodge, Founder and Operations Lead of Dragonfly Solutions, Brian Smith, said the launch marks a new chapter built on shared vision, expertise and opportunity.

“This partnership is not simply about another business venture. It is about workforce development…for the little girl from Orealla who dreams of playing her part in the Oil and Gas sector. It is about local content…for the little boy from Buxton who owns a drone and data company. It is about creating non-traditional opportunities for Guyanese talent wherever they may come from Parika or Konashen and ensuring that innovation and international expertise can come together to build a beautiful Guyana for all of us across sectors,” Smith said.

Smith launched his company during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company has since evolved from a single drone being used to take pictures, to a company that now supports engineering and surveying, agriculture and mining.

“Naturally, there were sacrifices along the way. There were moments of uncertainty and challenges, such as accessing financing as a small business in a non-traditional area- But we learned quickly, and decided to swim differently…We invested in ourselves, pursued training, entered pitch competitions and built relationships while pushing beyond our comfort zones. Over time, Dragonfly has evolved beyond flying drones. We expanded into geospatial data solutions and LiDAR technology that support Guyana’s growing needs,” Smith said.

In his remarks, Smith also spoke of the importance of collaboration in fostering growth.

Steve Priestly of Altomaxx said the story behind Altomaxx is not that different from that of Dragonfly Solutions, explaining that the company was also launched with a single drone in 2018.

The company is now specialized in advanced industrial inspections, surveying, mapping and data collection services across sectors including energy, infrastructure, marine, and environmental management.

Priestly said Altomaxx chose to partner with Dragonfly for more than just business, stating that the two companies are committed to supporting job creation in the region, education and STEM awareness.

“On the ethical side of things, one of the things that our pilots do and what Altomaxx does is when we are not flying drones; we are spending our time in schools. We are a huge believer in advocating for STEM, local careers, our own selfishness,” he said.

Priestly said the company brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the partnership with a string of international certification.

“Altomaxx is D&B certified, we are Lloyd Registry Certified, we are ABS recognized for remote inspection techniques within the Oil and Gas world for maritime vessels and floating platforms. One of the other things that we do uniquely, is, there is actually an ISO certification for unmanned flights called ISO 21384 – they don’t make it easy like 9000 and 14000 to remember but it is for unmanned flight. Altomaxx is actually the only certification body in the world for unmanned flight – it is a very unique thing,’ he said.

Together, Altomaxx and Dragonfly will focus on supporting sectors such as energy, infrastructure, environmental management and industrial operations while helping to develop a skilled local workforce equipped for the future of work.

Beyond commercial activities, Dragonfly continues to invest in youth development through initiatives such as its annual Drone Girls | Drone Kids programme, which introduces young people to careers in technology and innovation.

Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith said the partnership demonstrates the important role collaboration plays in preparing Guyanese for the future of work – one increasingly shaped by technology, innovation and data-driven solutions.

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