The Oregon UAS Accelerator today announced that applications are now open for its Fall 2026 cohort, a 12-week hybrid program designed to help unmanned systems and autonomous technology startups move from development to deployment through targeted curriculum, mentorship, and access to testing pathways.
The Fall 2026 cohort begins August 26, 2026, and runs in a hybrid format combining virtual programming with in-person engagement in Pendleton, Oregon. The application deadline is July 19, 2026, and acceptance notifications will be issued on July 31, 2026.
Broad fit for innovators
The accelerator is designed for founders, co-founders, and technical leaders building uncrewed aerial, ground, or maritime systems, along with enabling autonomy, AI-enabled platforms, sensing technologies, communications, payload, and mission software solutions. The program is best suited for startups at the prototype, MVP, or early validation stage, generally around TRL 3 or above, with a clear commercial, public-sector, homeland security, or defense use case.
The Fall 2026 cohort is intended for a broad range of innovators, not only defense-focused companies. Oregon-based startups are prioritized, but the program also welcomes domestic and international companies interested in soft-landing, testing, and scaling in Oregon.
What participants receive
Companies selected for the Fall 2026 cohort will receive structured founder support, non-dilutive funding tied to program completion, and access to additional benefits from accelerator partners and sponsors to be announced.
That support includes:
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A structured accelerator curriculum and coaching designed to help founders make measurable progress toward traction, partnerships, funding readiness, and market credibility.
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Business and investor readiness support, including pitch development, financial strategy, capital planning, and commercialization planning.
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SBIR/STTR and grant-readiness guidance for non-dilutive funding pathways.
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Technical, commercial, and regulatory mentorship from aligned experts and stakeholders.
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Introductions to ecosystem partners, pilot pathways, and other relevant connections across Oregon’s unmanned systems ecosystem.
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Access to workspace, meeting facilities, privacy cubicles, and current lab resources that support focused work, collaboration, and company development in Pendleton.
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Access to testing and validation pathways through relationships connected to the Pendleton UAS Range and the broader Oregon unmanned systems ecosystem.
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Potential opportunities related to defense-tech, dual-use, and counter-UAS testing pathways through relationships involving the Oregon Military Department, depending on company fit, partner availability, program structure, and applicable requirements.
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A $5,000 non-dilutive completion subgrant for companies that meet attendance and assignment requirements, participate in required in-person events, and deliver their final showcase pitch.
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Eligibility for a performance-aligned recognition pool that may provide additional non-dilutive support to top-performing companies, subject to final program rules, written criteria, and compliance requirements.
Program focus
Program focus areas include business model development, unit economics, traction and KPIs, financial projections, capital strategy, investor readiness, IP, regulatory risk, commercialization planning, and grant proposal development. The program also includes deep dives on defense, public safety, infrastructure, manufacturing, and sector-specific go-to-market pathways.
A distinguishing feature of the accelerator is that it combines practical founder support with pathways for testing, validation, and real-world development opportunities. External facilities access, testing support, or flight testing credits are not automatic, but the accelerator helps founders understand what opportunities may be available and how to prepare for them.
Showcase and application
The cohort includes a final UAS Innovation Showcase with investors, strategic partners, and subject-matter experts. Throughout the program, founders are supported in refining their pitch, strengthening investor readiness, and improving execution against company milestones.
Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are open now.
Founders can learn more and apply at oregonuas.org/apply
Review facilities and access information at oregonuas.org/facilities-access.
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