Seven firms bid for Rzeszów drone centre

7 May 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Seven companies bid to build the Rzeszow drone technology center, a key UAV R&D hub funded partly by the EU.

The Rzeszow drone technology center has attracted seven bidders in a tender launched by the university. Moreover, the competition signals growing regional momentum for unmanned aerial systems and industry partnerships.

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Seven companies entered the tender

Politechnika Rzeszowska set a 4 million PLN budget for the project. However, the lowest bid already exceeds that figure. Consequently, Zakład Remontowo-Budowlany Rachwał offered the cheapest price at about 4.49 million PLN. In addition, other offers ranged from 5.7 million PLN to over 12 million PLN. Therefore, the university now faces budget choices and possible contract negotiations.

What the Rzeszow drone technology center will include

The project follows a design-and-build model. First, the contractor will deliver full project documentation. Then, the contractor will complete construction and fit-out. The centre will host a nearly 900 sq m test hall. Moreover, it will include a Prototyping, Assembly and Test workshop for UAS. In addition, the plan lists an Aero-Propulsion Laboratory and an Avionics Systems Lab. The building will also contain a server room and technical and social facilities. Most workstations will be modular and flexible. Consequently, the university can reconfigure spaces quickly for different tests. The campus will control operations from a single central command room. The structure will measure roughly 50 metres by 27 metres. Moreover, it will exceed 8 metres in height. Ultimately, the usable area will top 1,300 sq m and the volume will reach almost 10,000 cubic metres.

Why the centre matters for industry and locals

The whole project totals about 8 million PLN. In addition, over 3.2 million PLN comes from European funds. Therefore, the investment links local universities to wider EU technology goals. The centre aims to serve aviation, telecoms and ICT firms. Moreover, it will support technologies that improve quality of life. The facility will also link to the recent Podkarpackie Competence Centre for BVLOS flights. BVLOS means flights beyond visual line of sight. Consequently, BVLOS enables long-range delivery, infrastructure inspection, and emergency services. For international companies, the site offers certification, testing and collaboration opportunities. In addition, local aerospace clusters and supply chains can scale faster with a university testing hub. The university expects the centre to open by June 2027. However, timing depends on contract award and permit approvals. The contractor must provide all utilities, secure building permits, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you plan to work with drones in Poland, register your device and check aviation rules. BVLOS operations need special approvals from aviation authorities and sometimes local control (PAŻP or ULC). In addition, full-time employees pay into ZUS (social security) and get public healthcare through NFZ. If you stay long-term, you will likely need a PESEL number (national ID number) for work and official procedures. Finally, universities often partner with industry on contracts and internships, which can ease business entry or hiring.

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