Full-day event at Cascades Academy in Bend on August 22 celebrates innovation in the aerial robotics industry with three sessions designed for business leaders, students and technology enthusiasts.
SOAROregon, a non-profit organization focused on the economic development of the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industry in Central Oregon, announce its Innovation Day Bend 2014: Aerial Robotics, which will take place on Friday, August 22 at Cascades Academy. Sponsored by Intel Corporation, this one day event is focused on discussing and demonstrating the rapidly-growing aerial robotics industry which is making an impact statewide – and beyond. The event will offer three unique and targeted sessions throughout the day, that are specifically designed for Business and Educational Leaders, Students (grades 6-12) and Technology Enthusiasts.
SOAROregon was created to foster growth in Oregon’s rapidly-evolving UAS industry, which is at the heart of an economic crossroads connecting multiple sectors such as aviation, advanced manufacturing, high tech, software development and education.
“The UAS industry is poised with potential to greatly impact Central Oregon’s economy,” said Roger Lee, executive director at the Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO). “With the test center in Warm Springs and the tremendous cluster of local technology companies and leadership right here, I can see Bend becoming a hub of UAS-related business in the very near future.”
“We are thrilled to be hosting such a dynamic event that really highlights the innovation that is already taking place right here in Central Oregon,” said Mark Morrison, executive director of SOAROregon. “We’re continuing to see exciting work in the development of commercial applications in areas like forestry management, search and rescue and precision agriculture – and look forward to being able to share the most recent advancements with those who attend Innnovation Day.”
Innovation Day Bend: Schedule
Business & Educational Leaders (Free)
7:30am – 8:30am (breakfast) & 8:30am – 9:45am (break-out sessions)
This portion of the day features a lively and informative panel discussion over breakfast, about the impact of aerial robotics on Central Oregon’s economy – including the implications for education and training, safety and security, and job creation. Following breakfast, attendees may participate in an interactive break-out session to learn about three distinct applications of aerial robotics technology.
Students, Parents and Teachers (Free)
10:00am – 12:00pm (demonstrations); 12:00pm – 1:00pm (lunch)
Created with middle school and high school students in mind, this section of Innovation Day includes two hours of live demonstrations and learning sessions based on STEM education designed to inspire and educate. Students will have the rare opportunity to learn about three different applications for aerial robotic technologies and then collaborate with their peers to determine how this technology could be used to benefit society. During lunch, students will be seated next to an industry innovator, for further discussion and brainstorming.
Enthusiasts
3:00pm – 5:15pm
The day is completed with a final session designed for enthusiasts with a passion for innovation in aerial robotics. This portion will highlight three companies who are current finalists in a national competition for building a commercial application using aerial robotics for “social good” – through an in-depth discussion and demonstration. A variety of other companies will also be on-site to demonstrate their latest developments in the field.
Innovation Day Bend: Event Details
Date/Time: Friday, August 22 – ALL DAY
(check website for specific session times)
Location: Cascades Academy
19860 Tumalo Reservoir Road, Bend, OR 97701
Registration is Mandatory: www.soaroregon.com/innovation-day
About SOAROregon
SOAROregon is a non-profit organization focused on evolving Oregon as a hub for the development and manufacturing of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Our goal is to establish Oregon as a center of education, research and development, and as an incubator for UAS projects. Since its inception in 2013, SOAROregon has awarded $327,000 in competitive grants, with matching private investments of $1.05 million, which will help Oregon firms become national leaders in UAS development and manufacturing. In addition, SOAROregon has begun work to commission UAS test ranges in three different regions of the state: Pendleton, Tillamook, and Warm Springs north of Madras.
For more information about SOAROregon, or to register for Innovation Day Bend, please visit www.soaroregon.com
