Oregon UAS Accelerator Opens Renovated Facility
PENDLETON — The Oregon Unmanned Aerial Systems Accelerator has completed renovations on its office, offering a space that both honors the past and embraces the future of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The facility, located at the Eastern Oregon Regional Airport, underwent a significant transformation designed to support the growth of technology startups in the UAS industry.
The renovation, which was approved by the Pendleton City Council in April 2024, cost $400,000. The project, awarded to McCormack Construction, began with hangar clearance and demolition in late July and wrapped up in December. The exterior retains the historical features of the WWII-era B-17 hangar, while the interior offers a modern environment for innovation.
Joseph Wyno, executive director of the Oregon UAS Accelerator, emphasized the organization’s commitment to respecting Pendleton’s heritage while focusing on the technological advancements of the UAS and robotics industries. “One of the biggest challenges was thinking through all of the essential needs that we have here and how those needs would fit with our startup founders,” Wyno explained.
The updated facility now includes state-of-the-art resources for tech entrepreneurs:
- Electrostatic discharge labs
- Collaborative workspaces
- Product testing areas
- Soundproof privacy pods for meetings
- Conference rooms
- Break room and lounge
The lobby features the old Pegasus logo and artwork by local artist Nika Blasser.
Wyno likened the accelerator to “Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters,” drawing a parallel to the X-Men. “I’m the quirky, old executive director of the program. Like Charles Xavier, I’m on this never-ending quest to find startup founders who exhibit these special abilities and skills that, if refined, they’ll change the way we live and change the world. We provide them with coaching, mentoring, state-of-the-art-facilities and a roof above their heads — all to give them a chance to succeed,” he stated, describing the support provided to startup founders.
Cohort Selection and Program Overview
The Oregon UAS Accelerator announced on February 24th that it selected five innovative companies for its spring 2025 cohort. The selected startups represent the forefront of UAS technology and are poised to introduce revolutionary advancements across various industries.
The new cohort includes:
- 3Autonomy LLC (Pendleton, Oregon)
- Accipiter Aeroworks (Reno, Nevada)
- DroneSpotter (Illinois)
- Morgan Geospatial (Wisconsin)
- Ziz Defense Co. (Colorado)
These companies will participate in a 12-week intensive program designed to prepare them for market readiness. Wyno highlighted the selection process’s focus on identifying technologies that would directly impact Oregonians in areas like fire response, agriculture, energy, construction, public works, law enforcement, and emergency services. “We start to see this hub from a holistic perspective,” he said. “As the startups grow, as a result of our program, they plant their flag here in Pendleton. They start to manufacture and start to create jobs and they’re going to need the supply chain around them to support what they do. We think Pendleton has that supply chain.”
The accelerator aims to help the startups establish a strong presence in Eastern Oregon’s tech industry, facilitating connections with potential supply chain partners. Wyno also plans to develop an internship center in the future.
The Pendleton Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 7th to celebrate the facility’s opening. The event will be held at 4529 NW A Ave., at the Eastern Oregon Regional Airport.
