Press Releases

Monterey Bay Drone, Aviation, and Robotics Technology (DART) hosted an international delegation of policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and innovators from the Netherlands and California on June 18-19 as part of the California × Netherlands 2026 Exchange, a collaborative effort focused on advanced air mobility (AAM), workforce development, and sustainable transportation.

The visit to Santa Cruz and Monterey counties was part of a 10-day exchange designed to strengthen partnerships and share best practices related to aviation innovation, workforce training, infrastructure, and economic development. Delegation members explored how aviation technology can be applied to agriculture, public safety, infrastructure, and environmental management.

The Monterey Bay region was a key stop because of its growing role as a hub for the low-altitude economy. DART hosted the Netherlands delegation as it studies key Central Coast programs advancing workforce development and aviation:

• DART's MsUAS Pathways Project, developed in partnership with Hartnell College, which is preparing local residents for careers in the emerging drone and aerospace industries.
• The UC Santa Cruz's CITRIS Aviation program, sponsored by DART, challenging UC student teams to design next-generation aviation frameworks.
• The Monterey Bay Tech Hub, co-founded by DART, a regional coalition advancing innovation across AAM, agricultural technology, and marine technology.

"The Netherlands has earned a global reputation for innovative approaches to transportation, infrastructure, and sustainability," said Josh Metz, Executive Director of Monterey Bay DART.

During the exchange, DART signed a Letter of Intent with Den Helder Airport and Foundation Coast to Coast at NASA Ames Research Center. The agreement establishes a framework for future collaboration on advanced air mobility, workforce development, infrastructure planning, technology demonstrations, and international knowledge exchange between California and the Netherlands. The parties anticipate developing a formal Memorandum of Understanding by June 2027.

"This exchange allowed us to learn from international leaders while showcasing the work taking place here on the Central Coast. It also highlights DART's partnerships, each helping create new workforce opportunities and position our region as a leader in the future of AAM and aviation innovation," said Metz.

The exchange builds on a transatlantic partnership established in 2025 through the California-Netherlands Climate & Mobility Innovation Exchange and the Transatlantic Agreement on Air Mobility.

For more information about Monterey Bay DART and the California × Netherlands 2026 Exchange, visit https://mbdart.org/from-the-salinas-valley-to-the-polder/