The Oregon UAS Accelerator has announced the launch of the Proven in Pendleton cUAS Challenge, a competition designed to identify and advance innovative counter-drone technologies. With a total prize pool exceeding $120,000, the challenge offers innovators an opportunity to prove their counter-UAS solutions in real-world conditions, culminating in a live demonstration at the AUVSI Spring Symposium in Pendleton, Oregon, on April 24-25, 2025.
The competition aims to accelerate the development of counter-drone technologies capable of detecting, tracking and neutralizing unauthorized drones across multiple domains, including:
- Urban security for stadiums, airports and critical infrastructure
- Military and law enforcement operations
- Corporate and event security for the private sector
“This challenge represents a unique opportunity for innovators to prove their counter-drone technologies in real-world conditions,” said Joseph Wyno, Executive Director of the Oregon UAS Accelerator. “We’re looking for solutions that are ready to deploy and can make an immediate impact on national security and public safety.”
Competition details
- $100,000 grand prize for the first-place innovator
- $20,000 runner-up prize
- All finalists receive one month of free test flight services at the Pendleton UAS Test Range
- Open to U.S.-based companies with demonstrable counter-UAS technologies
- Live pitch event judged by military, law enforcement and industry leaders
With unauthorized drone incidents rising across civilian and military sectors, the need for effective counter-UAS solutions is widely recognised in the U.S. The “Proven in Pendleton cUAS Challenge” is designed to foster dual-use innovations that can be deployed across both commercial and defense environments.
Finalists will have the opportunity to conduct test flights at the Pendleton UAS Test Range, before presenting their solutions to a panel of expert judges during the AUVSI Spring Symposium.
The challenge is now accepting applications through March 15, 2025. Selected finalists will be invited to Pendleton for live demonstrations and a final pitch competition to determine the winner.
Post Image Credit: Oregon UAS Accelerator
