The Oregon UAS Accelerator has announced the opening of applications for its inaugural cohort, commencing June 3rd and concluding on September 10th with the Pendleton Investor Roundup. Participants can extend their stay at the Pendleton UAS Test Range until the end of 2024 to continue testing their innovation.
Entrepreneurs and innovators with solutions ready for testing are invited to apply, with applications closing at 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 31st. Key requirements for participation include maintaining a presence in Oregon throughout the program, active involvement of the founder, and at least one team member dedicated to the solution full-time during the Accelerator’s programming from June 3rd to September 10th.
The Accelerator offers a comprehensive support system for innovators, including access to development space, subject matter experts, launch and recovery sites, and capital introductions. Innovators will also benefit from the UAS-friendly environment and diverse testing landscapes provided by the Pendleton UAS Range. In collaboration with Business Oregon and the Pendleton UAS Range, the Accelerator aims to expedite the commercialization process for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technologies, positioning Oregon as a premier hub for UAS innovation.
There is an informational webinar on the Accelerator on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 at 11:00 PT. Registration can be found here.
“The Oregon UAS Accelerator represents a strategic initiative to harness Oregon’s competitive advantages and propel the state to the forefront of UAS development in the United States,”
said Steve Chrisman, Economic Development & Airport Director.
“We offer UAS innovators incredible support to accelerate their commercialization process.”
Chrisman also stated that the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the permanent Executive Director position is available on the Accelerator website. He underscored the pivotal role of the Executive Director in overseeing all facets of the Accelerator’s operations.
“This position presents an extraordinary opportunity to nurture the next wave of UAS innovators, fostering an environment where the companies can flourish and achieve commercial success.”
The Executive Director RFQ is open until March 20th, 2024, 5:00 PM PDT.
There is an information webinar covering the position on Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 at 11:00 PT
Registration can be found here.
About the Oregon UAS Accelerator
The Oregon UAS Accelerator is an initiative to facilitate innovation in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) market. With generous funding from Business Oregon, the Accelerator provides innovators access to flight testing, workspace, partners, facilities, range staff, financial support, and mentorship opportunities. The Accelerator aims to establish Oregon as the nation’s premier destination for UAS development and integration.
Source: Press Release