As one of the premier drone flight facilities in the world, the Oregon UAS Accelerator has always had a global appeal. But now they have a direct pipeline to an international partner. Thanks to a memorandum of understanding with Korea Investment Accelerator.
Through this agreement, KIA expects to secure a gateway for its portfolio companies to conduct real-world demonstration projects in the United States. The Oregon UAS Accelerator is an accelerator specializing in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), robotics, autonomous systems, and dual-use technologies, based in Pendleton. Previously, it also signed a business agreement with the Oregon Military Department, connecting defense training and anti-drone demonstration needs with startups. Additionally, the accelerator operates U.S. government non-dilutive R&D funding support programs such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
“Our collaboration with the Oregon UAS Accelerator, which has a strong presence in the U.S. defense and public sectors, will serve as the most reliable milestone for our K-defense and drone startups to break into one of the world’s most challenging markets,” said Baek Yeo-hyun, CEO of KIA. “By combining the proven venture development infrastructure of Korea Investment & Securities Group, we will provide steadfast support so that domestic companies with unique technological capabilities can confidently prove themselves on the global stage and achieve meaningful business results.”
NOTE: We briefly interrupt this blog post to remind you that Oregon UAS Accelerator applications for the next cohort are due July 19, 2026.
For more information, see “Korea Investment Accelerator Signs MOU with Oregon UAS Accelerator in the U.S.“
