FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 17, 2018
Contact: Tom McMahon, tmcmahon@auvsi.org, (571) 255-7786

AUVSI Innovation Challenge to Showcase Startups

at Unmanned Systems – Defense. Protection. Security., Feb. 7

Five finalists will present original ideas to panel of technology and government representatives

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has announced the finalists for its inaugural Innovation Challenge, which gives small, start-up and early stage companies operating in the commercial, defense, and non-traditional unmanned systems or autonomous systems sectors an opportunity to present their technology to government and industry representatives. The Innovation Challenge will take place at Unmanned Systems – Defense. Protection. Security. (USDPS) from Feb. 6 to 8, 2018, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

Five premier finalists were selected from a pool of 30 cutting-edge applicants by the USDPS Executive Committee. At the event, each finalist will have six minutes to pitch their technology and four minutes to answer questions from the Innovation Challenge Advisory Panel. The panel will provide feedback and guidance, but the final choice will be left to the USDPS audience.

• CVEDIA will showcase their platform SynCity, a hyper-realistic simulation platform for the development and deployment of autonomous applications.
• Ghost Robotics will premier its multi-terrain autonomous legged UGV platform.
• Overwatch Imaging will exhibit intelligent multi-band mapping and auto-detection on long endurance UAS.
• Planck Aerosystems has developed the fundamental drone intelligence and precision landing technologies to provide aerial support for data collection and workflow improvements.
• SubUAS LLC will present The Naviator, a drone that owns the air, surface, and subsurface battlespace with a single UAS.

The finalists will present their technology to the members of the Innovation Challenge Advisory Panel:

• Orin Hoffman, Autonomy and Robotics, HQE DIUx
• Frank Kelley, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Unmanned Systems), Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development & Acquisition)
• Jean-Charles Ledé, Acting Deputy Director, Tactical Technology Office, DARPA
• Bob Sadowski, Chief Roboticist, U.S. Army

“These finalists offer new and innovative solutions to the world of unmanned systems and automation,” said Brian Wynne, president and CEO of AUVSI. “The Innovation Challenge gives these startups the opportunity to present their ideas to industry leaders who can provide feedback on how to make their vision a reality.”

For media registration for USDPS, click here or contact Tom McMahon at tmcmahon@auvsi.org. For more information about USDPS and the Innovation Challenge, visit www.thedefenseshow.org.

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About AUVSI
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) — the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of unmanned systems and robotics — represents more than 7,500 members from more than 60 countries involved in the fields of government, industry and academia. AUVSI members work in the defense, civil and commercial markets. For more information, visit AUVSI.org.