AUVSI’s Innovation Challenge, which will be part of Unmanned Systems — Defense. Protection. Security (USDPS) will allow companies to pitch their technology to the show’s audience and a high-level advisory panel.
 
It’s an opportunity for small, start-up and early-stage companies operating in the commercial, defense, and non-traditional unmanned systems or autonomous systems spheres to present their technology to government and industry representatives.
 
Advisory Panel members include Orin Hoffman, autonomy and robotics HQE, DIUx; Bob Sadowski, chief roboticist, U.S. Army; Frank Kelley, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for Unmanned Systems (DASN (UxS)); and other defense and government industry experts.
 
During the Innovation Challenge, on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018, five finalists will pitch their technology to the USDPS audience and the Advisory Panel. Each finalist will have six minutes to pitch their technology and four minutes to answer questions from the panel. The panel will provide feedback and guidance, but the final choice will be left to the USDPS audience.
 
Interested companies must complete the Innovation Challenge application by Friday, Dec. 8, 2017. The fee to apply is $189 and includes an Exhibits Only–One Day Pass to access the USDPS Exhibit Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018. All applicants will receive an Exhibits Only–One Day Pass regardless of whether they’re selected to compete in the Innovation Challenge. Applicants may apply the $189 fee toward the purchase of a Full Conference Pass to attend the complete USDPS program.

Members of the USDPS Executive Committee will review applications and select five finalists to compete in the Innovation Challenge at USDPS. All applicants will be notified of their selection status by Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018.
 
For more information, click here.