Soaring to New Heights: Oregon UAS Accelerator Announces $40K Grant to Propel Drone and Ground Innovation

We are excited to announce that the Oregon UAS Accelerator has raised $40,000 to drive innovation in the unmanned aerial and ground technology sectors. The Accelerator, based at the renowned Pendleton UAS Range – a premier facility that has completed over 50,000 test flights – is committed to supporting small to mid-sized startups working individually or collaboratively on groundbreaking UAS innovations. With this funding, selected startups are not only awarded a $40K grant, but also gain access to a comprehensive support system, including free workspace, seasoned mentoring, and investment training that carries an in-kind value of $110K. This robust program is designed to empower entrepreneurs by providing them with indispensable resources and mentorship needed to navigate the competitive tech landscape. Moreover, each startup team is paired with two paid interns recruited from local colleges and universities, ensuring that fresh talent and innovative ideas are continuously integrated into developing projects. Startups benefit from an unparalleled test environment spread over 14,000 square miles in Oregon, which permits operations at altitudes up to 15,000 MSL. The Pendleton UAS Range is unique in its capacity to facilitate laser testing, and it supports complex multi-drone operations such as swarming, all without imposing platform size restrictions. This strategic funding is aimed at accelerating commercialization efforts, encouraging meaningful partnerships, and ultimately shaping the future of unmanned systems technology. By bridging the gap between visionary ideas and market-ready solutions, the Oregon UAS Accelerator continues to be a critical catalyst in transforming the UAS industry and propelling technological progress forward.