For many people, rural Kansas isn't the first place that comes to mind when they think of cutting-edge technology. 

For Lukas Koch, that's exactly why it's the perfect place to innovate.

As Chief Executive Officer for Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems, Koch is helping bring advanced drone technology from concept to reality. His work spans agriculture, public safety, healthcare, and airspace integration, connecting rural communities to innovations with the potential to change industries around the world.

"We're trying to solve real problems," Koch said. "Businesses need to generate revenue, hire people, and create opportunities. We look for practical ways to do that while making a difference in rural communities."

What began as a focus on agricultural drone technology has evolved into something much bigger. While drones provide tremendous value during planting and spraying seasons, Koch and his team saw opportunities to expand their capabilities year-round by tackling challenges facing rural America.

One of those challenges being healthcare access.

Through a partnership with Community HealthCare System (CHCS) in Onaga, Kan., Kelly Hills Unmanned Services has helped launch the FLARE initiative, a project exploring how unmanned aircraft can transport medical supplies between rural healthcare facilities. The effort is designed to test whether drone technology can provide a safe, efficient option for moving critical materials across northeast Kansas.

The partnership came together in an unexpected way.

"When we started looking for a healthcare partner, I was thinking we might have to go to California or Florida," Koch recalled. "Then I was talking with a friend from church who happens to be a physician with CHCS. He connected me with the CEO, John Fitzthum, and everything started to come together."

The first test flight successfully transported an automated external defibrillator (AED) from Onaga to Centralia, demonstrating the potential for drones to support rural healthcare delivery.

Today, Kelly Hills Unmanned Services works with partners across the globe and maintains relationships in more than 25 countries. The organization collaborates with educational institutions including Kansas State University Salina, Wichita State University, and Fort Hays State University, providing internship opportunities and helping students gain experience with emerging technologies.

The company has also attracted attention from international organizations. In 2026, Kelly Hills Unmanned Services announced a partnership with Thales, one of the world's leading aerospace and air traffic management companies, to support the safe integration of unmanned aircraft into U.S. airspace.

Connecting Innovation to Opportunity

But as the company continued to grow, one challenge remained surprisingly difficult to solve: internet connectivity.

Reliable broadband is essential for a technology company whose work depends on remote collaboration, virtual meetings, security monitoring, and constant communication with partners around the world.

Before receiving fiber internet service, Kelly Hills Unmanned Services relied on multiple internet connections in an attempt to maintain uptime.

"We had invested in two different internet connections because reliability was such a concern," Koch said. "Unfortunately, neither connection was stable. Remote sessions were a disaster. We experienced lost packets, dropped connections, and disruptions that affected everything from video meetings to security systems."

The impact extended beyond daily operations.

"We host people from all over the world," Koch explained. "They fly into Kansas City and drive two hours to visit us. They're already in unfamiliar territory, and when they can't complete a video call or conduct business reliably, it's difficult to demonstrate that we're the innovative company we know we are."

For a business built around advanced technology, unreliable connectivity created an unfortunate contradiction.

"There's a perception that technology companies belong in large cities," Koch said. "We're working every day to prove that's not true."

After years of exploring options and navigating inaccurate broadband service maps, Kelly Hills finally gained access to fiber internet.

According to Koch, the difference was immediate.

More Than an Internet Provider

For nearly three years, Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems searched for a path to fiber connectivity. The challenge wasn't a lack of need. It was a lack of accurate information.

According to Koch, state broadband maps often indicated the company was already adequately served, creating obstacles for organizations that desperately needed improved infrastructure.

"We knew the reality on the ground didn't match what the maps were showing," Koch said. "That's something that continues to impact rural businesses throughout Kansas."

When BVT ultimately made the decision to extend fiber service to the facility, the results were immediate.

"I remember the day it was connected," Koch laughed. "I said, 'Welcome to 2006.' After all those years, it felt like we finally caught up."

Since then, Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems has been able to strengthen cybersecurity measures, improve network performance, increase collaboration opportunities, and better support its growing operation.

"We haven't had a down moment since," Koch said. " Fiber has allowed us to showcase the truly cutting-edge technology business we've built here in rural Kansas."

But according to Koch, the greatest benefit wasn't just the technology. It was the partnership.

"What we appreciate most is that we know the people behind the service," Koch said. "We know the technicians. We know the leadership team. We know if there's a question or an issue, we're going to get an honest answer and people who are willing to help."

As Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems continues working with partners across the globe, having a trusted local technology partner has become an unexpected advantage.

"When you're trying to build something innovative, relationships matter," he said. "The BVT team understands our goals and wants to see us succeed. That kind of partnership is incredibly valuable."

For Koch, that support reflects one of the greatest strengths of rural communities.

"In rural Kansas, people genuinely want to help each other succeed," he said. "That's something special."

Changing Perceptions

Whether partnering with healthcare providers, collaborating with universities, or welcoming visitors from around the world, he believes innovation can happen anywhere.

For Koch, the mission extends beyond drones, technology, and connectivity. It's about demonstrating what rural communities are capable of when they have access to the tools and resources they need.

"People are often surprised by what we're doing here," Koch said. "But rural Kansas is full of talented people and innovative businesses. We're just one example of what's possible."

And thanks to a combination of vision, determination, and reliable connectivity, rural Kansas is helping lead the conversation.