Celebrating Sonja Betschart’s Recognition on the Forbes 50 Over 50 List

We are thrilled to announce that our co-pilot and co-founder Sonja Betschart has been recognized on the 2024 Forbes 50 Over 50 list for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)!

Sonja stands among 50 remarkable women leaders, founders, humanitarians and vanguards across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, all proving that life’s second half is also its most successful and rewarding.

Her visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping WeRobotics into a global force for positive change. Since co-founding WeRobotics in 2015, she has been at the forefront of co-creating the Flying Labs Network, which currently spans 40+ countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia and beyond and continues to grow organically.

Today, we don’t celebrate an individual achievement, but a collective recognition of our shared commitment to building a better, more inclusive global Network of drone professionals.

In 2015, our journey at WeRobotics began with a vision to support and connect local experts in drone, data, and AI technologies across Africa, Latin America, Asia, and beyond. Eight years after our journey began, not only have we been able to provide a collaborative space for knowledge exchange, connecting over 300 members across 40+ countries, but we have also supported or co-implemented impactful projects with the Flying Labs in Disaster, Climate, Education, Agriculture, Conservation and Health, affirming the greater impact we can achieve through collaborations.

While the journey has presented its share of challenges, each obstacle has been met with resilience, dedication, and a steadfast belief that we can make a positive social impact. At WeRobotics, we have provided local experts with a platform, skills, frameworks, technologies, and opportunities to lead and contribute to local solutions. We have facilitated connections, collaboration, opportunities, learning and knowledge sharing between Flying Labs members, global organizations, and industries. We continue to advocate for localization models, systems innovation, and policies that support the responsible and sustainable use of emerging technologies in the Global South.

Sonja's recognition by Forbes and Know Your Value Initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration, the strength of our global community, and the limitless potential that lies within each one of us. We are grateful for the incredible team at WeRobotics, Flying Labs, our partners, and everyone who has been a part of this journey. Together, we will continue shifting power with local experts across cultures and communities while fostering positive social impact globally and for future generations.

As we reflect on the transformative work and invaluable contributions of the Flying Labs, one thing becomes clear: the sky is not the limit; it's just the beginning. With each project, collaboration, and initiative, Flying Labs members are proving that technology, when harnessed with purpose, inclusivity, and passion, has the power to elevate communities and create a more sustainable and equitable world.