SILICON BEACH DEVELOPMENT

Building the Future of UAS Infrastructure in the United States

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A next-generation public-private initiative advancing drone innovation, testing, training, and deployment across defense and commercial sectors.

In coordination with federal, state, and defense stakeholders.

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Opportunity

UAS adoption is accelerating across defense and commercial sectors
Capabilities are expanding faster than the workforce and infrastructure
The U.S. has a strategic opportunity to lead in next-gen aviation

Challenge

Shortage of FAA-certified and trained drone operators
Fragmented infrastructure for testing, training, and deployment
Increasing complexity of airspace integration and regulatory requirements

Building integrated UAS ecosystems across training, testing, and operations
Aligning public-private stakeholders across defense, industry, and workforce
Supporting scalable, FAA-aligned pathways for safe and effective deployment

Approach

Meet the Team

Together, the leadership team at Silicon Beach Development is focused on building the infrastructure, partnerships, and workforce required to scale the future of unmanned systems across the United States.

Founder & CEO

Jason Engelhardt is the Founder and CEO of Silicon Beach Development, where he leads the vision, strategy, and execution of next-generation infrastructure initiatives focused on unmanned systems, advanced aviation, and public-private collaboration.

With a background spanning venture development, capital formation, and large-scale project execution, Jason works at the intersection of government, defense, and industry to align stakeholders around high-impact opportunities. He has been instrumental in advancing partnerships with state leadership, federal agencies, and military stakeholders to support the development of scalable UAS ecosystems in the United States.

Jason’s work centers on building platforms that enable innovation, workforce development, and the responsible deployment of emerging technologies, positioning Silicon Beach Development as a catalyst for long-term economic growth and national capability.

COO & Chief Military Advisor

Chris Budihas is the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Military Advisor of Silicon Beach Development, where he leads operational execution and provides strategic guidance on defense alignment, stakeholder engagement, and mission integration.

A retired U.S. Army Colonel and former Marine, Chris brings more than 35 years of leadership experience managing complex operations in high-stakes environments. His background includes combat deployments, senior command roles, and deep expertise in organizational leadership, risk management, and mission execution.

At Silicon Beach Development, Chris plays a critical role in translating strategic vision into operational reality, ensuring alignment across defense, government, and industry partners while advancing initiatives that support national security, workforce readiness, and next-generation UAS capabilities.