The Lithgow STEAM Uplift Pilot Program + The Future of Drone Tech

From hobby to high-tech: the rise of drones and the future of aerial tech –
Tom Caska, Founder & CEO Aerologix – drone data and mapping platform

Australian-based drone data platform Aerologix has built an advanced “uber for drones” solution that connects drone pilots with clients in need of aerial imagery and data, along with providing access to sophisticated, highly-detailed mapping software.

Aerologix CEO and Founder Tom Caska has a bold vision for drone technology—one where drones aren’t just flying cameras, but infrastructure-changing tools that are:
✅ Powering agriculture, infrastructure, and environmental monitoring
✅Reducing urban emissions with clean energy logistics
✅Offering real, scalable solutions to traffic, climate, and equity challenges

But just because we can deploy at scale, doesn’t mean we should—not without ethics, community consent, and purpose-led design. With 60 million drone flights forecast annually in Australia by 2043, Tom believes Australia has a rare window to lead in ethical and innovative drone deployment.

Hear how drones are fast-becoming the world’s most critical source of acquiring information, and solving big industry problems, as Tom Caska presents on the future of drone technology at the Central West Adaptive Skills Hub on 2 July, 2025.

The Lithgow STEAM Uplift pilot program – Jess Jennings, Adaptive Skills Hub Manager and Emma Francis, LEEP STEAM Education and Skills Coordinator

The LEEP Primary STEAM team has been working with local schools to inspire young minds through hands-on learning, technology, and creativity! From coding their own Wild Robot-inspired video games, to discovering circuits, conductive materials, and incorporating everyday objects into interactive coding projects (bananas as game controllers?!), LEEP has been helping students build confidence in STEAM, problem-solving, digital skills, and sustainability – one engaging activity at a time.

Drone pilot program – Spiridoula Dervenis and Robert Miller, Lithgow High School

The Lithgow STEAM Uplift Drone Pilot Program harnesses emerging technologies – particularly drone automation – to equip students with critical skills for the future. Through the lens of developing a pioneering drone light show program, Spiridoula and Rob will share how project-based learning in coding, design, and systems thinking is shaping confident, future-ready learners and supporting Lithgow’s transition toward a diversified, innovation-led economy.

Join us for a window into this innovative student learning experience, along with insights into the future of drone tech from leading Australian drone expert, Tom Caska – July 2 at the Central West Adaptive Skills Hub – 176 Mort Street, Lithgow.