Teen Innovator’s VTOL Drone Earns Congressional Gold Medal for Breakthrough Design

A 17-year-old Greenwich, Connecticut, student has redefined drone technology with a low-cost, high-efficiency vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone, earning him the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal. Cooper Taylor, a rising senior at Greenwich Country Day School (GCDS), designed the drone in his basement, driven by passion and a vision to make advanced aerial technology more accessible. His project, alongside his charitable work with Burn Support Bangladesh, secured this national recognition for initiative and achievement, reports CT Insider.

Revolutionary VTOL Design

Taylor’s drone, titled “Next-Generation VTOL Drones: A Breakthrough in Tilt Mechanism and Modular Design for Optimization and Accessibility,” introduces a game-changing approach to drone engineering.

Unlike traditional drones, it uses a single motor for both hover and forward flight by rotating forward, mimicking helicopter take-off. “There was no one else — just me. In my basement, just trying to be as … laser focused as possible,” Taylor said. He coded the onboard computer and crafted a modular design, slashing production costs to roughly one-fifth of comparable market models, potentially under $1,000 compared to $5,000 for high-end VTOL drones.

This efficiency stems from a novel tilt mechanism, allowing seamless transitions between vertical and horizontal flight. The drone’s specs, while not fully public, include custom software and a lightweight frame, likely under 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms), optimizing it for hobbyists and small-scale commercial use. Taylor’s work earned the Chief of Naval Research Scholarship Award at the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, signaling military interest in its potential for reconnaissance or logistics.

Impact on Drone Industry

Taylor’s innovation arrives as the drone market surges, projected to hit $63 billion by 2030. His low-cost VTOL design could democratize access for recreational pilots, small businesses, and developing regions, where high costs often limit adoption. “It was just something I was really passionate about and it was something that I really love to do,” Taylor said, emphasizing accessibility over profit. By reducing reliance on expensive, specialized components, his drone challenges industry giants to rethink pricing and design.

Regulatory implications are significant. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) tightly controls VTOL drones due to their complexity, requiring certifications for commercial use. Taylor’s simplified design could streamline compliance, easing barriers for new pilots. However, scaling production may face hurdles, as FAA rules demand rigorous testing for drones exceeding 0.55 pounds (250 grams).

Beyond Technology: A Broader Mission

Taylor’s Congressional Award also honors his nonprofit, Burn Support Bangladesh, which has funded medical care for over 70 children with burn injuries. “I wanted to create a way to try to help give back and try to help kids in Bangladesh who don’t have the same resources as I have,” he said.

This dual focus—technical innovation and social impact—sets Taylor apart, earning praise from GCDS Head of Upper School Chris Winters: “Cooper applies his curiosity in learning to all aspects of our high school curriculum. We are deeply proud of Cooper.”

Looking Ahead

This summer, Taylor will attend the Research Science Institute at MIT, honing his skills for future projects. His drone’s affordability and efficiency could reshape recreational and small-scale commercial drone use, while his story inspires a new generation of builders.

As he plans for college, Taylor remains focused: “Now it’s just about building up my knowledge, finding new ways to innovate, try to work hard.” For drone enthusiasts, his work signals a future where advanced technology is within reach.

Photo courtesy of CT Insider / N. Taylor