OREGON UAS ACCELERATOR
Our Purpose
Oregon UAS Accelerator is a nonprofit based in Pendleton, Oregon. Our mission is to make Oregon a national leader in unmanned aircraft, robotics, and advanced air mobility. We work with entrepreneurs, engineers, and industry partners to launch new businesses, create high-wage jobs, and keep Oregon at the forefront of American innovation.
Oregon UAS Accelerator
Oregon UAS Innovation Challenge
Ready to take flight?
Apply to the Oregon UAS Innovation Challenge today and help lead Oregon’s unmanned systems revolution.
Oregon’s flagship launchpad for unmanned systems startups, this challenge is a statewide competition for founders, technical teams, and visionaries at every stage (TRL 3+). Compete for up to $135,000 in non-dilutive funding and support as you take your aerial and robotic solutions from idea to industry.
Program Highlights:
- Four-phase, competitive structure that rewards progress
- 12-week hybrid curriculum (in-person & online)
- Two live pitch events with investors and industry leaders
- Hands-on mentorship and access to office, lab and development space, as well as the potential for real flight testing at the Pendleton UAS Test Range
OREGON UAS ACCELERATOR
WHY CHOOSE OUR PROGRAMS
Oregon UAS Accelerator delivers practical support, proven results, and unmatched resources for innovators, companies, and partners in unmanned aircraft and robotics. Here’s what sets us apart:
Business Oregon Partnership & Support
Benefit from a strong partnership with Business Oregon, giving startups access to statewide resources, non-dilutive grants, investor connections, and technical support dedicated to driving commercialization and scaling innovative UAS and robotics solutions.
Strategic Mentorship Network
Engage with a diverse team of veteran mentors and business leaders who provide targeted guidance in technology, investment readiness, business scaling, intellectual property, and SBIR/STTR grants.
Industry Ecosystem & Partnerships
Benefit from formal partnerships with leading industry, academic, and government organizations, expanding opportunities for field testing, research, customer access, and real-world collaboration.
World-Class Testing and Facilities
Work onsite at the Pendleton UAS Test Range—a national hub for unmanned systems—with 33,000 square feet of dedicated innovation space and 14,000+ square miles of controlled airspace for flight testing and R&D.
Proven Accelerator Outcomes
Join a program with a strong track record: over 16 startups accelerated per biennium, $3M+ in investment and grants raised, and a growing pipeline of high-wage jobs and successful commercial ventures.
Inclusive and Impactful Community
Be part of a cluster model that prioritizes rural, tribal, and underserved founder participation, driving statewide economic growth and equitable access across Oregon’s innovation landscape.
OREGON UAS ACCELERATOR
Get Involved
For Entrepreneurs and Startups
UAS and URS startups, from early idea to pilot-testing stage, are encouraged to apply to the Oregon UAS Innovation Challenge, a competitive hybrid accelerator offering virtual courses, live mentorship, and two pitch events (one virtual, one live).
This program provides non-dilutive grant funding, expert guidance, and in-kind partner resources to help founders accelerate their commercialization journey and connect with Oregon's innovation ecosystem
For Students
Students passionate about UAS or robotic systems can apply for the Oregon UAS Accelerator’s internship program, designed to provide both virtual and hands-on experience within pioneering startup teams.
Participants gain exposure to real-world projects, work alongside expert mentors, and access networking opportunities that help launch careers in advanced technology and aerospace innovation
For Mentors
Experienced professionals are invited to become mentors with the Oregon UAS Accelerator, where technical, business, or investment expertise helps shape the next generation of innovators in unmanned aerial and robotics systems.
As a mentor you'll help to guide startups through hands-on and virtual sessions, and contribute to Oregon’s growing innovation ecosystem while expanding professional connections and sector impact.
OREGON UAS ACCELERATOR
Partners and Sponsors
Our success is built on strong partnerships. We're proud to collaborate with industry leaders, government agencies, and academic institutions that share our vision for advancing UAS innovation in Oregon. These valued partners play a crucial role in supporting our mission, providing resources, expertise, and opportunities for our startups. Their involvement helps drive innovation, create jobs, and position Oregon as a leader in the UAS industry.
Join us in shaping the future of unmanned systems technology.
OREGON UAS ACCELERATOR
Latest News and Updates
- by Oregon UAS Accelerator
Oregon UAS Accelerator Unveils Game-Changing Summer 2025 Cohort:
Four game-changing UAS startups join Oregon UAS Accelerator’s Summer 2025 cohort, revolutionizing wildfire response, mineral exploration, and airspace security.
- by Oregon UAS Accelerator
Oregon UAS Accelerator Celebrates Success of 2025 Pendleton Innovator Showcase:
See who won at the 2025 Pendleton Innovator Showcase! Explore top UAS startups, event highlights, and how Oregon is shaping the future of unmanned aerial systems.
- by Oregon UAS Accelerator
Oregon UAS Accelerator Announces 2025 Pendleton Innovator Showcase
Join us at the 2025 Pendleton Innovator Showcase to witness five groundbreaking UAS startups pitch live, network with industry leaders, and explore the future of drone technology.
- by Oregon UAS Accelerator
2025 Proven in Pendleton Counter-UAS Challenge: Winners, Innovations & Event Recap
Discover the standout technologies and winners from the 2025 Proven in Pendleton Counter-UAS Challenge-where the future of drone defense took center stage.
- by Oregon UAS Accelerator
Oregon UAS Accelerator Opens Applications for Summer 2025 Cohort
Applications are open for the Oregon UAS Accelerator Summer 2025 Cohort! Gain $165K+ in benefits, expert mentorship, and pitch live at the Pendleton Investor Round-Up.
- by Oregon UAS Accelerator
Oregon UAS Accelerator Announces Spring 2025 Cohort, Driving Innovation in Unmanned Aerial Systems
Oregon UAS Accelerator selects five innovative startups for its Spring 2025 cohort, offering $165,000 in benefits to accelerate unmanned aerial systems development in Pendleton, Oregon.
- by Oregon UAS Accelerator
Oregon UAS Accelerator Opens Applications for 2025 Cohort
- by Oregon UAS Accelerator
Oregon UAS Accelerator Celebrates Resounding Success of Inaugural Pendleton Investor Round-Up
- by Oregon UAS Accelerator
Oregon UAS Accelerator Unveils Pioneering Unmanned Systems Startups for Inaugural Cohort
- by Oregon UAS Accelerator
Joseph Wyno Named Executive Director of Oregon UAS Accelerator
- by Oregon UAS Accelerator
Applications Open for Inaugural Oregon UAS Accelerator Cohort
- by Oregon UAS Accelerator
Oregon UAS Accelerator Launches to Propel UAS Innovation
Discover how the Oregon UAS Accelerator is transforming UAS innovation with funding, mentorship, and world-class testing—making Oregon a hub for unmanned systems.
OREGON UAS ACCELERATOR
Business Concepts & Education
- by Dan Fuller
Building successful partnerships between UAS startups and established companies
Explore how UAS startups and established firms form powerful partnerships to scale innovation, share resources, and unlock new market opportunities in the drone industry.
- by Joseph Wyno
The Lean Startup Methodology for UAS Companies
Explore how UAS companies can apply the Build-Measure-Learn cycle, tackle MVP challenges, and navigate customer validation in the drone industry. Learn to innovate faster and smarter with lean startup principles.
- by Dan Fuller
A Deep Dive into GTM Strategies For UAS Products
- by Joseph Wyno
The Art of Authentic Selling in Startups: A Founder's Guide to Winning Investor Trust