Rice student startup lands $1.85M to launch medical drone network (opens original article in a new tab)

Rice University students launched a medical drone startup with $1.85M funding, aiming to improve transport of sensitive medical supplies through vertical takeoff aircraft with payload controls.

• Rice University students developed a medical drone transport system called Haast Autonomous
• The startup raised $1.85 million in pre-seed funding and plans pilot trials in 2027
• The drone can carry 5 pounds of sensitive medical cargo with environmental controls