PROVEN IN PENDLETON
cUAS Challenge
Calling all Counter-UAS innovators! The Oregon UAS Accelerator is proud to announce the Proven in Pendleton cUAS Challenge, a groundbreaking competition designed to accelerate innovation in unmanned aircraft systems defense.
This high-stakes event will culminate at the AUVSI Spring Symposium on April 24-25, 2025, offering participants unparalleled exposure to key stakeholders in military, law enforcement, and commercial sectors.
PROVEN IN PENDLETON CHALLENGE
Why Participate?
$100,000 Grand Prize
Showcase your proven innovation and compete for a substantial non-dilutive grant.
$20,000 Runner-Up Prize
Even second place walks away with significant funding
1 Month of Flight Testing
All Finalists receive 1 month of Flight Testing at the Pendleton UAS Test Range.
World-Class Testing Facilities
Demonstrate your technology at the renowned Pendleton UAS Range
Expert Mentorship
Refine your pitch and business strategy with industry leaders
Potential Follow-on Funding
Open doors to significant investment opportunities, including the DOD APFIT program ($10M-$50M)
What We're Looking For
We welcome all types of counter-UAS technologies, including but not limited to:
- Detection and tracking systems
- Kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures
- Electronic warfare solutions
- Cyber-based countermeasures
- Innovative command and control or override systems
PROVEN IN PENDLETON
Challenge Overview
STEP 1
Application.
Submit your innovative cUAS solution through our online portal. This is your chance to showcase your groundbreaking counter-UAS technology to our expert panel. We're looking for demonstrable solutions that address real-world challenges in drone detection, tracking, and mitigation. Your application should highlight your technology's unique features, current development stage, and potential impact on the cUAS landscape.
STEP 2
Webinar.
Attend an informational session outlining contest parameters and expectations. This comprehensive webinar will provide crucial details about the challenge, including evaluation criteria, timeline, and technical requirements. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights into what our judges are looking for. We'll also discuss the capabilities of the Pendleton UAS Range and how you can leverage this world-class facility to demonstrate your technology.
Step 3
Virtual Pitch.
Present to a panel of expert judges. This is your opportunity to showcase your cUAS solution in a professional, concise manner. You'll have a set time to pitch your technology, highlighting its innovative aspects, market potential, and technical capabilities. Our panel of judges, comprising industry experts, military personnel, and investors, will evaluate your presentation based on predefined criteria.
Be prepared for a Q&A session following your pitch.
STEP 4
Finalist Selection.
Top 5 innovators advance to the final round. Based on the virtual pitch performances, our judges will select the five most promising cUAS solutions to move forward in the challenge.
These finalists will have demonstrated not only technological innovation but also market viability and potential for real-world impact.
If selected, you will be flown to Pendleton to demonstrate your technology at the Pendleton UAS Test Range and Pitch your business live at the event finals during the AUVSI Conference for your chance to win $100,000.
STEP 5
Mentorship.
Finalists will be invited to a consultation with the Oregon UAS Accelerator investor Readiness team. This session is designed to help you refine your pitch and business strategy. Our experienced mentors will provide valuable feedback on your presentation, help you identify key selling points, and offer guidance on how to effectively communicate your technology's value proposition.
This mentorship call is not required but it could prove crucial for preparing you for both the virtual pitch and potential future investor interactions.
STEP 6
On-site Demonstration.
On your first day in Pendleton, finalist will demonstrate your technology at the Pendleton UAS Range
Here you'll demonstrate your technology in a real-world environment, leveraging the range's extensive capabilities.
Our team will work with you to design a demonstration that highlights your system's strengths, whether it's detection accuracy, tracking capabilities, or mitigation effectiveness.
This hands-on demonstration is crucial for validating your technology's performance.
EVENT FINAL
Pitch Event.
After demonstrating your innovation, finalist will present live at the AUVSI Spring Symposium
This is the culmination of the Proven in Pendleton Counter-UAS Challenge. You'll present your refined pitch and demonstration results to a distinguished panel of judges and a live audience of industry leaders, potential investors, and government stakeholders.
This high-stakes presentation is your chance to make a lasting impression and potentially secure the $100,000 grand prize. Be prepared to showcase not only your technology but also your vision for its implementation and scaling.
PROVEN IN PENDLETON cUAS CHALLENGE
Event Finals
If your innovation is selected as a finalist for the Proven in Pendleton cUAS Challenge.
- Your team's founder will be flown to Pendleton, where you will demonstrate your technology on-site at the Pendleton UAS Test Range on April 23.
- You will then participate in the final pitch session live at the AUVSI conference where you have the opportunity to win the Grand Prize of a $100,000 non-dilutive grant on April 24.
- Finalist may also be selected to demonstrate their technology on the AUVSI Spring Symposium demo day, April 25, 2025.
PROVEN IN PENDLETON
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: March 25, 2024
- Virtual Pitch Round: March 27 - April 2, 2025
- Finalist Announcement: April 3, 2025
- On-Site Demos & Live Pitch: April 23 – 25, 2025
PROVEN IN PENDLETON
Challenge Eligibility
This challenge is specifically designed for innovators and companies with demonstrable cUAS technology. Participants must have a working prototype or advanced solution ready for presentation and testing.
U.S. based and operated companies only.
PROVEN IN PENDLETON CHALLENGE
Evaluation Criteria
- Solution effectiveness against DOD requirements
- Commercial viability
- Integration capability with existing systems
- Cost-effectiveness of implementation
- Scalability potential
PROVEN IN PENDLETON CHALLENGE
Testing Framework
The Proven in Pendleton Counter-UAS Challenge will leverage the Pendleton UAS Range's expansive 14,000 square mile airspace to conduct comprehensive testing of counter-drone technologies. The testing framework will evaluate various aspects of C-UAS systems, including, but not limited to:
Detection Capabilities
- Multi-platform detection (fixed-wing, multirotor, hybrid)
- Size classification accuracy
- Low-observable target acquisition
- Performance across varied speed and altitude profiles
Tracking Performance
- Position accuracy at extended ranges
- Continuity through evasive maneuvers
- Multi-target tracking capabilities
- Precision in speed and heading calculations
System Integration
- C2 interface compatibility
- Data sharing and fusion capabilities
- Security protocol verification
- Scalability testing
Kinetic Effector Evaluation
To assess kinetic kill and immobilization capabilities, the challenge will incorporate rigorous testing of hard-kill counter-drone systems.
PROVEN IN PENDLETON CHALLENGE
Stategic Partners
AUVSI Cascade Chapter
Technology Association of Oregon
Oregon Entrepreneurs Network
PROVEN IN PENDELTON
Challenge Sponsors
PROVEN IN PENDLETON CHALLENGE
Sponsorship Opportunities
Align your brand with cutting-edge counter-UAS innovation. We offer various sponsorship levels to showcase your company's commitment to national security and technological advancement. Contact us for more information on how to become a sponsor.
PROVEN IN PENDLETON CHALLENGE
APPLY NOW
Don't miss this opportunity to prove your counter-UAS technology in Pendleton and potentially secure significant funding and exposure. Applications are now open for the Proven in Pendleton Counter-UAS Challenge 2025.
Strategic Partnership Rights
The State of Oregon and designated strategic partners maintain a 6-month first right of refusal for investment opportunities in challenge winners. This structured partnership ensures cutting-edge innovations first serve Oregon's security ecosystem while preserving commercial flexibility.
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