THE AUVSI CASCADE CHAPTER 2026 SPRING SYMPOSIUM IS HOSTED BY
AUVSI Cascade Chapter
Pendleton UAS Range
Oregon UAS Accelerator
Oregon UAS Innovation Showcase
Why Investors and Strategics Should Attend
The Oregon UAS Innovation Showcase is designed as a concentrated deal‑flow and partnership environment centered on Oregon UAS Accelerator cohort companies and select innovators.
- See curated pitches from accelerator cohort startups and challenge finalists building high‑growth UAS, autonomy, and counter‑UAS solutions.
- Evaluate live-tested technology, de-risked through access to the Pendleton UAS Range’s 14,000+ square miles of FAA‑approved airspace and specialized infrastructure.
- Meet founders 1:1 for deeper technical and commercial diligence, including follow‑up conversations beyond the main program.
- Connect with regional leaders from defense, public safety, agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure sectors actively deploying uncrewed systems.
- Explore strategic partnerships around testing, pilots, commercialization, and co‑development at the Pendleton UAS Range and across Oregon.
2026 AUVSI CASCADE CHAPTER SPRING SYMPOSIUM
What to Expect: Two High-Impact Days
Day 1: Oregon UAS Innovation Showcase & Symposium
Day 1 features a full program of expert talks, panels, and the Oregon UAS Innovation Showcase pitch event hosted within the AUVSI Cascade Spring Symposium.
Investors and strategics can expect:
- Main-stage sessions on UAS operations, policy, and emerging applications, with speakers from industry, government, and research.
- Oregon UAS Innovation Showcase pitches: a concentrated block where top Oregon UAS Accelerator cohort companies and innovators pitch to a panel of investors and sector leaders.
- Judging and feedback focused on technical differentiation, commercial readiness, and scalability in real-world UAS markets.
- Networking reception to continue conversations with founders, fellow investors, corporate partners, and regional stakeholders.
This is the best single place in 2026 to see a critical mass of Oregon UAS deal flow in one room.
Day 2: Pendleton UAS Range Tech Showcase
Day 2 moves to the Pendleton UAS Range for hands-on demos and technology deep dives. Building on the format used in prior challenges and tech showcases, startups and technology providers demonstrate systems in an operational environment.
Expect:
- Live range demonstrations of UAS, autonomy, and counter‑UAS systems executing realistic missions in instrumented airspace.
- On‑site tech talks with range staff and founders about test campaigns, data, regulatory approvals, and deployment roadmaps.
- Smaller‑group conversations in the hangar and on the ramp where you can see hardware, ground stations, and integrated systems up close.
For investors and strategics, Day 2 is ideal for validating claims you hear on Day 1 and exploring how these solutions might integrate with your portfolio or enterprise.
2026 AUVSI CASCADE CHAPTER SPRING SYMPOSIUM
Registration and Next Steps
All general attendee registration and sponsorship for the AUVSI Cascade Spring Symposium is managed by the AUVSI Cascade Chapter.
If you are an investor or corporate strategic interested specifically in the Oregon UAS Innovation Showcase and cohort companies, please use the dedicated investor form below.
- General Attendee & Sponsorship Registration:
Visit the AUVSI Cascade Spring Symposium registration page to secure your symposium pass and view the full agenda. - Investor & Strategic Registration (Priority Access):
Use our investor interest form so we can curate your experience around the Oregon UAS Innovation Showcase, cohort companies, and specific technology areas.
Once you register as an investor or strategic partner, our team will follow up to:
- Align your interests with relevant cohort companies and technologies.
- Coordinate introductions and small‑group meetings during the symposium.
- Share updates on the final pitch lineup and schedule.
ABOUT THE OREGON UAS ACCELERATOR
The Oregon UAS Accelerator is a state‑backed, Pendleton‑based program that prepares unmanned systems and robotics startups for investment and commercialization. Each cohort completes a 12‑week investor readiness curriculum, intensive pitch camp, and culminates in a live Investor Showcase or Innovator Showcase connected to events like the AUVSI Cascade Spring Symposium.
Key attributes:
- Founder‑focused program with mentorship on business models, regulatory strategy, and go‑to‑market for UAS and autonomy.
- Access to Pendleton UAS Range facilities, mission control, and test airspace to validate and iterate technology quickly.
- Investor pipeline culminating in curated pitch events such as the Oregon UAS Innovation Showcase, Investor Round‑Up, and Pendleton Innovator Showcase.
Attending the AUVSI Cascade Spring Symposium gives you early visibility into the companies emerging from this pipeline.
OREGON UAS INNOVATION CHALLENGE
Industries & Technologies Represented
The companies and innovation is this third cohort span the full spectrum of unmanned systems innovation, from cutting-edge hardware to AI-powered software platforms. These companies are solving critical challenges across multiple high-growth markets.
Defense & Counter-UAS
Counter-UAS systems, maritime patrol, ISR platforms, threat detection, and military logistics solutions.
Wildfire & Public Safety
Fire detection, real-time mapping, search & rescue, disaster assessment, and first responder support.
Advanced Air Mobility
eVTOL platforms, autonomous flight systems, urban air mobility, and passenger/cargo transport.
Logistics & Delivery
Medical supply delivery, last-mile logistics, heavy-lift cargo, and warehouse automation.
Agriculture & Environmental
Precision agriculture, crop monitoring, reforestation, livestock management, and sustainability.
Infrastructure & Inspection
Pipeline monitoring, bridge inspection, power line surveys, and construction site oversight.
AI & Autonomy
Computer vision, autonomous navigation, swarm intelligence, and machine learning platforms.
Hardware & Components
Advanced propulsion, sensor systems, communication modules, and manufacturing technologies.
OREGON UAS INNOVATION CHALLENGE
Why to Attend as an Investor
Pre-Vetted Deal Flow
Counter-UAS systems, maritime patrol, ISR platforms, threat detection, and military logistics solutions.
Proven Traction
71% of Cohort 3 companies are at TRL 4 or higher, with $18.5M in capital already raised. These are validated technologies with customer traction and clear commercialization paths.
Market-Ready Solutions
From defense contracts to commercial partnerships, our companies address real market needs with proven demand. Many have active pilots, LOIs, or early revenue.
Direct Founder Access
Skip the cold outreach. Get direct access to founders, technical teams, and business leaders. Schedule 1:1 meetings and conduct technical due diligence in person.
Ecosystem Connections
Network with fellow investors, strategic partners, government officials, and industry leaders actively supporting Oregon's growing UAS ecosystem.
Early-Stage Advantage
Meet companies before they hit the broader investor circuit. Get preferred access to cap tables, pilot opportunities, and strategic partnerships.
Register Your Attend.
Complete the form at the link below to register for the Oregon UAS Innovation Challenge investor events. Our team will reach out to confirm your registration and discuss your participation preferences, event access, and networking opportunities.