NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 11, 2025

CONTACT: Grace Donovan, gdonovan@revcenter.org, (248) 409-8983, www.revcenter.org

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Pioneering UAS 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 from 3 to 7 p.m. in Zabel Hall at EOU. These startups are at the forefront of UAS technology, shaping industries from agriculture to defense.

Featured Speakers & Companies:

• Maxwell Anderson, 3Autonomy LLC – Developing a modular UAS platform where cameras, sensors, and software can be easily swapped or upgraded, making drones adaptable for security, mapping, and search-and-rescue missions.

• Stephen Carlson, Accipiter Aeroworks – A University of Nevada, Reno Ph.D. student developing a migratory UAS set to travel from California to Hawaii this spring.

• Brian Morgan, Morgan Geospatial – Specializing in UAV/Drone services, including aerial photography, video, mapping, geospatial analysis, agriculture, construction management, and utility inspection.

• Mike Munizzi, DroneSpotter – 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.

• Steven Spooner, Ziz Defense Company – Creating an AI-powered defense system that detects and neutralizes drone threats using acoustic triangulation and high-precision LiDAR technology.

Following brief presentations, attendees will have the chance to ask questions, explore innovations, and network with industry leaders. The event will conclude with a reception, offering additional time to connect with experts and discuss career opportunities in the growing UAS field.

Advancing UAS Innovation & Workforce Development

“REV is proud to work with EOU and local partners to create career pathways for students and strengthen opportunities in rural areas,” said Grace Donovan, Executive Director of REV. “This 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. Events like this help build the networks and workforce needed to support this growing field.”

Event Partners & Organizers

The event is coordinated by the Rural Engagement & Vitality Center in collaboration with the Oregon UAS Accelerator and Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub. Both OUA and OFIH are supported by Business Oregon.

About the Oregon UAS Accelerator
The Oregon UAS Accelerator is a 12-week intensive program designed to propel early-stage UAS companies to market readiness. By providing access to world-class testing facilities, funding, and expert mentorship, the accelerator aims to position Pendleton as a global leader in unmanned systems innovation.

About the Rural Engagement & Vitality Center and the Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub
The REV Center, a nonprofit based on the EOU campus, connects students and faculty with local leaders to work on real-world projects, fostering the next generation of rural innovators. Its Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub supports entrepreneurs across 10 Eastern Oregon counties, helping them build networks, access resources, and launch successful businesses.

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