Oregon UAS Accelerator

01/06/2026

Oregon isn’t just beautiful—it’s booming. 🌲

The latest United Van Lines study shows Oregon has the highest share of inbound moves in the U.S., with 65% of moves inbound and 35% outbound.
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For UAS and autonomy founders, that means:
• A growing pool of tech-savvy talent choosing Oregon as home.
• Increasing demand for innovation in infrastructure, logistics, and public safety where unmanned systems can shine.
​• More momentum behind ecosystems like the Oregon UAS Accelerator and the Pendleton UAS Test Range.
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At the Oregon UAS Accelerator, startups can leverage this migration wave plus world-class test airspace, mentorship, and non-dilutive support to build and scale faster.
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How could relocating to an emerging innovation hub like Oregon change the trajectory of your UAS startup?

🔗 Article: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/americans-moving-state-more-than-anywhere-else-study-shows
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12/05/2025

Applications for the 2026 Oregon UAS Innovation Challenge are now closed.

Thank you to every team that applied, the innovations coming out of the UAS and uncrewed systems (UXS) community this year are truly impressive, and we’re excited by the range of concepts, technologies, and business visions you shared with us.​

Our team is now carefully evaluating all applications against the program’s criteria, and we will announce the startups selected to participate in the Oregon UAS Innovation Challenge as soon as the cohort is finalized. Over the coming days, we’ll be reaching out to selected applicants to schedule follow‑up conversations as part of this process.​

Stay tuned here and and on our website for updates on the 2026 cohort and upcoming Oregon UAS Innovation Challenge milestones.​

12/03/2025

Only 36 hours left to apply 🚀

Tomorrow, Thursday, December 4, 2025, is the last day to apply for the 2026 Oregon UAS Innovation Challenge. If you’re building in UAS, drones, robotics, or autonomous systems, this is your final reminder to get your application in.​

Submit your application on our website before 11:59 pm PST on December 4!

11/18/2025

Not every startup gets real funding, mentors, and investor exposure.

Oregon's four-phase innovation challenge is built differently. We reward UAS and robotics startups at every stage—with milestone-based grants, expert guidance, and direct investor access designed to accelerate your success.

🚀 What You Get:
✅ Up to $9,000 in non-dilutive funding
✅ 12-week hybrid curriculum (business + SBIR grant prep)
✅ Real investor pitch opportunities
✅ Workspace & Pendleton UAS Test Range access for finalists
✅ Weekly mentorship from industry experts

📍 Who Should Apply:
UAS and robotics startups at TRL 3+ that are Oregon-based or ready to expand/hire in Oregon.

⏰ Application Deadline: December 4, 2025

This is where startups become standouts. Ready to accelerate your growth and make your mark in Oregon's thriving unmanned systems ecosystem?

👉 Apply now: https://forms.monday.com/forms/82f5d7d64e6ff20f96e50176f9a8b632

Visit our website to learn more!

11/13/2025

Catch the latest episode of The Unmanned Podcast by USI!

🚁 Joseph Wyno from the Oregon UAS Accelerator joins host Matt Hernandez to break down how Oregon is powering innovation in , startup growth, and workforce development.

Explore how the 12-Week Innovator Challenge fuels cutting-edge tech, real-world UAS testing, and industry transformation.

Ready to dive in? Watch here 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI-aKBSeVzM
Or listen here 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/7C0avP1nyZ7EuWh8ZYnIT0?si=LY8XFtoWSl6ALxOnk1rdqQ

Founders: Applications are open now for the next cohort, visit our website today to apply by December 4! 🚀

What drone innovation or use case are you most excited about for 2026? Let us know below! 👇

The Unmanned Podcast · Episode

11/07/2025

From Portland to Providence, your startup belongs in the Oregon UAS Accelerator’s Innovation Challenge.

Whether you’re building the next breakthrough in uncrewed systems, robotics, or advanced tech — this is where innovation takes flight.

Join our hybrid accelerator to connect with mentors, investors, and gain access to real-world flight-test opportunities, all while growing from wherever you are.

Redefine what’s possible. Redefine access.

Visit Our website to Apply Today!

Applications Due by December 4, 2025

10/22/2025

🚀 Your pitch. Their attention. The future of unmanned systems waits for no one.

The Oregon UAS Innovation Challenge is your gateway to real investors, industry leaders, and mentors who can help take your concept from prototype to partnership.

Pitch in front of 25+ accredited investors focused on UAS innovation—drones, guidance systems, payload tech, and more. If your project is TRL 3 or higher, this is your moment to shine.

💡 Secure funding.
🤝 Build partnerships.
📈 Accelerate your growth.

🔗 Applications close December 4, 2025 — don’t wait, visit our website to apply today!

10/17/2025

Join the Oregon UAS Accelerator at the AUVSI Cascade Chapter Fall Symposium for an essential conversation on what it takes for startups to truly rise above in today’s crowded unmanned systems landscape!

We’re excited to present:
Gaining Altitude in a Crowded Sky
How Oregon UAS Accelerator Elevates Startups to Signal Investment-Ready Success

🗓 Thursday, October 23rd at 11 AM
📍 Tillamook Air Museum, Tillamook, OR

Discover how early-stage companies break through the noise and attract investor confidence by leveraging our proven accelerator curriculum and network. Hear powerful alumni success stories, meet our latest startup cohort, and learn how established organizations can partner with us to push UAS innovation forward.

Whether you’re a founder eager to gain traction or an investor seeking unique opportunities, this session is your runway for meaningful connections and actionable insights.

Register now and get all event details:
https://auvsicascade.com/event/auvsi-cascade-fall-symposium-october-22-24-2025/

Let’s build the future of unmanned systems — together!

Business Oregon Oregon Lottery

06/16/2025

🎖️ We are deeply honored to have received the Seven Seals Award from the Oregon National Guard and ESGR at the 2025 ORNG Labor Summit in Pendleton.

Being recognized for our support of Guard and Reserve members is a tremendous privilege, but what made this event truly special was the opportunity to stand alongside so many dedicated service members, civic leaders, and industry partners. The Summit’s theme, “Strength in Unity,” was evident throughout the day; from the inspiring skill demonstrations to the open conversations about building Oregon’s future workforce together.

At the Oregon UAS Accelerator, we believe our mission is stronger when we work in partnership with organizations like the Oregon National Guard. We are grateful for the chance to support those who serve, and to help create new pathways for veterans and reservists in Oregon’s growing unmanned systems industry.

Thank you to the Oregon National Guard, ESGR, and all who made this event possible. We look forward to building on this partnership and continuing to advance opportunities for service members and the communities they protect.

Business Oregon Oregon Lottery Pendleton UAS Test Range

06/10/2025

Excited to announce our next Drinks & Drones event on June 18th, featuring Andy Boyes from Sigma Design! 🚀

Andy brings nearly 20 years of manufacturing expertise and will share his vision for Manufacturing in 2025—including AI tools, manufacturing support, MVP development, and risk management. This is a unique opportunity for UAS innovators and industry professionals to gain actionable insights and network with leaders shaping the future of aerospace and drone technology.

At Oregon UAS Accelerator, we believe that collaboration and forward-thinking discussions drive real progress.

Join us in Pendleton to connect, learn, and accelerate your journey!
https://www.linkedin.com/events/drinksanddrones7335802065169883137/

Business Oregon Oregon Lottery Pendleton UAS Test Range

05/30/2025

🎉 That’s a wrap on the 2025 Pendleton Innovator Showcase!

Last night, we witnessed five outstanding UAS startups take the stage to pitch their breakthrough technologies to a packed room of investors, strategics, and industry leaders at Wildhorse Resort & Casino. Each company demonstrated incredible progress and vision, making this year’s Showcase our most competitive yet.

Congratulations to our winners:

🏆 Judges’ Overall Winner:
Ziz Defense Company – Recognized for their portable, AI-powered counter-drone defense systems, delivering critical battlefield protection with advanced sensor fusion and proven performance.

🏅 People’s Choice Winner:
DroneSpotter – Selected by audience vote for their innovative, scalable airspace awareness solutions, already deployed in multiple cities and delivering real-time drone detection and tracking.

All of our Spring 2025 cohort members—3AUTONOMY, Accipiter Aeroworks, DroneSpotter, Morgan Geospatial LLC, and Ziz Defense Company—have not only excelled in the program but have each received the second tranche of their non-dilutive grants to help accelerate their next phase of growth. Their hard work, collaboration, and commitment to innovation have set a new standard for what’s possible in unmanned aerial systems.

A heartfelt thank you to our distinguished judges—Deepthi Madhava (Oregon Venture Fund), Shashi Jain (Portland Seed Fund), and Jim Gochee (Entrepreneur & Investor)—for their thoughtful evaluation and support.

We are deeply grateful to our partners and sponsors, including Business Oregon, Oregon Lottery, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, and the Pendleton UAS Test Range, as well as all our community and industry supporters. Your commitment makes this ecosystem possible.

Special thanks to everyone who joined us in person and online, and to those who made the event run seamlessly—from the fireside chat with John D. Tovey III "J.D" AICP of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to our MC Cara Turano (OEN), and the entire Oregon UAS Accelerator team.

The future of unmanned systems is being built right here in Oregon—and this is just the beginning.

05/26/2025

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Memorial Day is more than a long weekend, it's a time for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance. As we gather with loved ones, let's remember that every freedom we enjoy was made possible by those who gave all. 🇺🇸

"Home of the free, because of the brave.

"Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it

Let us carry their legacy forward—not just in words, but in our actions and commitment to the values they defended. Wishing everyone a meaningful Memorial Day filled with reflection and appreciation for our heroes.