About the Oregon UAS Accelerator
Who Are We
The Oregon UAS Accelerator is a pioneering program dedicated to advancing innovation in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Unmanned Robotic Systems (URS). As Oregon’s Center of Innovation Excellence, we empower startups and innovators to transform their groundbreaking ideas into market-ready solutions. Funded by Business Oregon, we provide unparalleled resources, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge testing facilities at the Pendleton UAS Test Range.
Our accelerator serves as the launchpad for companies looking to revolutionize industries such as agriculture, defense, logistics, infrastructure, and beyond.
Our Mission
Our mission is to position Pendleton, Oregon, as a global hub for UAS innovation and integration. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, we aim to drive economic growth, technological advancement, and sustainable development in unmanned systems.
We are committed to:
- Supporting startups with funding, mentorship, and testing capabilities.
- Attracting top talent, investment, and industry partnerships to Oregon.
- Building a responsible future for unmanned systems through dual-use technologies.
What We Do
The Oregon UAS Accelerator offers a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to maximize the success of our participants:
- $40,000 Non-Dilutive Grant: Covers expenses for teams during their 12-week immersion in Pendleton without requiring equity.
- Flight Testing Support: Access to $75,000 worth of flight testing resources at the Pendleton UAS Test Range for up to 180 days.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Includes flight test pads, secure storage spaces, mission control equipment, and more.
- Expert Mentorship: Industry leaders guide participants through technical development, business strategy, investor readiness, and regulatory compliance.
- Regulatory Assistance: $5,000 worth of services for Certificates of Authorization (COAs) or compliance support.
- Investor Showcase: Our accelerator programs culminate in either the Pendleton Investor Round-Up or Pendleton Innovator Showcase, events where our cohort members pitch their innovations live to over 25 investors and strategic partners.
Our Program
The Oregon UAS Accelerator features a unique 12-week curriculum tailored to equip startups with essential knowledge and resources:
- Pitch Preparation: Develop compelling investor presentations with expert advisors from day one.
- Business Fundamentals: Learn strategies specific to navigating the UAS industry landscape.
- Grant Writing Essentials: Maximize opportunities for securing non-dilutive funding.
- Technical Mentorship: Accelerate product development with guidance from seasoned professionals.
Each program culminates in either the Pendleton Investor Round-Up or the Pendleton Innovator Showcase, providing participants with an exclusive opportunity to secure funding and forge strategic partnerships.
The Pendleton UAS Test Range
Participants gain unparalleled access to one of the nation’s leading facilities for UAS testing and development: the Pendleton UAS Test Range. With an operational ceiling of 15,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) and diverse terrain options, this state-of-the-art facility offers:
- Rapid prototyping capabilities.
- Comprehensive validation environments for all-weather testing scenarios.
- Expert range staff support for seamless operations.
Meet Our Team
Led by Executive Director Joseph Wyno—a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience—the Oregon UAS Accelerator team is dedicated to fostering innovation in unmanned systems technology. Our mentors include industry leaders from aerospace, defense, agriculture, construction, and other sectors who provide tailored guidance to help startups succeed.
OREGON UAS ACCELERATOR
Strategic Partners
Our success is built on strong collaborations with government agencies like Business Oregon and industry leaders such as Autodesk and Sigma Design. These partnerships provide critical resources and expertise that drive innovation while creating economic benefits for Eastern Oregon and beyond.
OREGON UAS ACCELERATOR
Join Us
Whether you’re an innovator ready to accelerate your growth or an investor seeking promising opportunities in unmanned systems technology, the Oregon UAS Accelerator invites you to be part of our mission.