Ten Ohio companies tapped for drone-focused defense accelerator
June 1, 2021
Ten Ohio companies will spin new drone technology out of their portfolios and into the defense and commercial UAS markets through the second cohort of the Dayton Region’s Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) Defense Accelerator.
The program seeks to help participating startups identify uses for their drone and UAS-focused technologies; move their technology products to market; position their companies to create jobs and generate revenue and support growth of the regional economy.
The Accelerator is funded by the Department of Defense OEA and managed by Launch Dayton partners Parallax Advanced Research and The Entrepreneurs Center. The National UAS Training and Certification Center at Sinclair College is also supporting the accelerator with subject matter experts and feedback on curriculum content.
“UAS and flying cars are essential to the Ohio Advanced Air Mobility Strategy, and they are applied to a myriad of applications and other technologies that impact our lives and communities. Our Ohio Federal Research Network funds UAS research and development projects within the State of Ohio that directly contribute to the State’s economy and quality job market. We’re excited to add another program – this UAS-focused accelerator — to our portfolio that supports entrepreneurs tackling UAS industry challenges,” said Dennis Andersh, Parallax Advanced Research CEO.
“UAS is one of the foremost emerging industries in the Dayton market and an important national focus so it’s especially exciting to have this as our technology area of focus for the second cohort for the OEA Accelerator. The Entrepreneurs’ Center is proud to be a leader in training small businesses and entrepreneurs with this area of expertise for the region alongside our strategic partners whose combined efforts will have a significant impact on Dayton’s economic development,” said Lauren Tiffan, Director of Strategic Programs, Entrepreneurs’ Center
The participant cohort will gather virtually for six weeks, during which they’ll develop business models and identify customers and strategic partners who will bring in outside capital and talent to grow and scale their businesses. The program will feature hands-on workshops, guest speakers, wrap-around services and resources from partners.
“We are very excited to support the launch of this UAS Accelerator. The resources and knowledge provided to the participants, many of whom are current Sinclair students or alumni, are invaluable, and the interest in the program really highlights the excitement around the UAS industry in Ohio,” said Dr. Andrew Shepherd, executive director and chief scientist, Sinclair College National UAS Training and Certification Center
The cohort participants applied & interviewed for the accelerator program. The founders have various levels of experience in commercial industry and with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funded government R&D. They’re developing a range of both physical products and software solutions. Participating companies include:
- GhostWave Inc., working on UAS collision avoidance with sensor fusion utilizing lidar
- NuWaves Engineering, with power amplifiers and bidirectional amplifiers for the UAS market to extend the communication range of UAS
- Zeius, Inc., bringing drone entertainment utilizing augmented reality
- Black River Systems Company, offering counter-UAS hardware and software for stadium security or special events
- GlobalEyez Solution, LLC, developing autonomous systems to detect and remediate harmful algae blooms
- LJB Inc., using the latest in scanning and data collection technologies to provide clients with actionable information when tracking assets
- Skyward Ltd., offering UAS-based data collection and analysis architecture to aid with forest wildland fire and disaster response management missions
- Airborne Solutions, establishing an on-call list of trained and qualified UAV pilots and ground personnel to provide UAS services
- Brennaman Aerial Services, LLC, providing drone services to many different industries with focus in roof inspections, surveys, marketing, and real estate
- Larson Photography, providing roofing installation documentation using aerial multi-rotor systems with a primary focus on meeting professional clients’ online marketing needs.
