A handful of drone-delivery startups want to help transport Covid-19 vaccines from distribution facilities to health centers, vying for a logistical role in what is likely to be a sprawling and complex undertaking.
Several of these businesses recently have entered into medical delivery partnerships with drug companies and retailers—including Merck & Co. and Walmart Inc. — that could help position them to take part in the high-profile effort to distribute Covid-19 vaccines.
Meanwhile, some startups have discussed with governments around the world their ability to use unmanned aerial drones to transport vaccine doses, mainly in remote areas.
The efforts are indicative of drone companies’ ambitions to reshape shipping and logistics. Delivering Covid-19 vaccines would enable drone startups to demonstrate to investors and potential customers on a world stage their ability to streamline operations and cut costs across distribution networks.
Venture-capital investors have poured $405 million into drone startups through the first nine months of this year, which is roughly on par with recent years, according to Teal Group Corp., an aerospace and defense analytics firm.
