OREGON UAS ACCELERATOR
What is the Innovation Challenge?
The Oregon UAS Innovation Challenge is not your typical accelerator. This competitive, milestone-driven experience brings together 25–30 of the brightest UAS and robotics startups, at every stage from concept to commercialization, for world-class curriculum, mentorship, and a series of competitive pitch events culminating at the Oregon UAS Innovation Showcase in Pendleton, OR.
Here, innovators compete for access to technical resources, follow-on funding, and statewide visibility.
OREGON UAS ACCELERATOR
Who Should Apply for the Oregon Innovation Challenge.
UAS and Robotics Innovators
Whether you’re early-stage (TRL 3+) or flight-ready, if you’re developing unmanned, aerial, or autonomous solutions in fields like wildfire resilience, precision agriculture, defense, logistics, environmental monitoring, or infrastructure, this Challenge is for you.
Diverse & Rural Talent
We actively seek founders from rural, tribal, and underserved communities. Our Challenge is structured to increase access for Oregonians from every background and location.
Out-of-State & Global Teams
Ready to put down roots or expand into Oregon? Our Challenge offers a “soft landing” and direct connections to Business Oregon, major test ranges, and a vibrant ecosystem.
OREGON INNOVATION CHALLENGE
Program Timeline & Format
Applications Open: October 1 – December 4, 2025
Hybrid Accelerator: January 13 – April 4, 2026
Hybrid Pitch Event: April 14–18, 2026
Innovation Summit & Finals: May 2026
All Challenge Activity & Grant Disbursement Ends: June 30, 2026
Phase I: Innovation Curriculum (Hybrid)
Start your journey with hands-on learning and expert guidance.
Engage in dynamic classes led by industry leaders, covering business models, market strategies, technical validation, and navigating regulations in our hybrid class format.
Connect with accomplished mentors in weekly sessions, access SBIR/federal grant support, and receive practical coaching as you refine your pitch and roadmap.
Value:
Unlock knowledge, personalized mentorship, and vital skills to set your team apart, building the strong foundation required for success in unmanned systems innovation.
Phase II: Challenge Pitch Event (Hybrid)
Showcase your progress to real investors and sector experts.
Teams that complete Phase I advance to a high-energy, competitive pitch event. Impress a panel of investors, industry leaders, and technical judges with your vision in a fast-paced setting that delivers actionable feedback.
Opportunity:
Gain investor exposure, sharpen your pitch in a real-world environment, and compete for advancement to further phases.
All teams completing this phase will earn a $5,000 non-dilutive sub-grant provided through Business Oregon.
Phase III: Implementation & Test Readiness
Advance your innovation from plan to real-world impact.
Top performers move on to Phase III, an intensive experience with dedicated mentor support, focused feedback, and hands-on test plan development.
Develop, submit, and defend your protocol while preparing for flight validation at Oregon’s world-class facilities.
Value:
Successfully completing this phase unlocks the opportunity to present and compete for top awards at the Oregon UAS Innovation Showcase.
Phase IV: Summit & Awards (In-Person)
Step onto the stage and compete for Oregon’s top innovation honors.
All finalists will pitch live to leading investors and a packed audience at the Oregon UAS Innovation Showcase.
Every finalist earns exclusive access to flight test packages, technical development resources, investor networking, and strategic exposure.
Each finalist will also receive an additional $4,000 non dilutive sub-grant and an additional $1,000 travel stipend.
OREGON INNOVATION CHALLENGE
Why Oregon? Why Now?
Oregon is the ideal destination for UAS and robotics startups ready to transform ambitious concepts into real-world impact. At the heart of the state’s innovation ecosystem lies the Pendleton UAS Test Range, offering over 14,000 square miles of controlled airspace, the largest of its kind nationwide, allowing unparalleled opportunities for real-world flight testing and validation. Innovators thrive in Oregon thanks to deep collaboration among top aerospace manufacturers, defense leaders, research universities, and government partners, creating a dynamic environment where bold ideas are nurtured and accelerated from prototype to deployment.
With a proven legacy of results, the Oregon UAS Accelerator has already in our 1st biennium propelled startups, fueling more than $3 million in investment, delivering over 120 high-wage jobs, and cultivating an alumni network invested in Oregon’s future.