Cutting-edge drone startups to connect with EOU students, leaders
Published 6:00 am Tuesday, March 11, 2025
- Nathan Temple, co-founder of Advance Drone, shows the company’s latest squadron of agricultural sprayer drones Jan. 11, 2024, at the Pendleton Unmanned Aerial Systems Range. Drone industry experts on April 2, 2025, come to Eastern Oregon University in La Grande to talk with students. (Yasser Marte/East Oregonian, File)
LA GRANDE — Pioneering unmanned aerial system companies will visit Eastern Oregon University on April 2 to share groundbreaking drone advancements and connect with students, faculty, and community leaders.
Leaders from five startup companies, along with Joseph Wyno, executive director of the Oregon UAS Accelerator in Pendleton, will meet with students 3-7 p.m. in Zabel Hall at EOU, the Rural Engagement & Vitality Center announced Monday, March 10, in a press release.
REV is coordinating the event with the Oregon UAS Accelerator and Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub, which receive support from Business Oregon, the state’s business department.
These startups are at the forefront of UAS technology, shaping industries from agriculture to defense. REV Executive Director Grace Donovan in the announcment said the event “highlights groundbreaking advancements in rural access to UAS technology while connecting students and faculty with the entrepreneurs shaping the future of the industry.”
She emphasized the potential for new businesses and job creation within the UAS sector.
“With emerging leaders driving innovation, we’re seeing drones revolutionize industries in smart, meaningful ways,” she said. “Events like this help build the networks and workforce needed to support this growing field.”
Featured speakers and companies include:
Maxwell Anderson, of 3Autonomy LLC, which is developing a modular UAS platform where cameras, sensors and software can be easily or upgraded, making drones adaptable for security, mapping and search-and-rescue missions.
Steven Carlson, of Accipiter Aeroworks, A University of Nevada, Reno, Ph.D. student developing a migratory UAS set to travel from California to Hawaii this spring.
Mike Munizzi, of DroneSpotter, which is providing airspace awareness as a service with custom hardware that tracks drone remote ID signals, delivering real-time and historical data via a cloud-based platform.
Following brief presentations, attendees will have the chance to ask questions, explore innovations and network with industry leaders. The event concludes with a reception, offering additional time to connect with experts and discuss career opportunities in the growing UAS field.
For more information about the Rural Engagement & Vitality Center, visit www.revcenter.org.
