For Immediate Release: Oct. 31, 2018
Contact: Tom McMahon, tmcmahon@auvsi.org, (571) 255-7786
 

 
ARLINGTON, Va. – Early-stage, disruptive companies that are creating, innovating or enhancing unmanned systems technologies and applications are invited to compete in the Startup Showdown. The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is partnering with Starburst Accelerator to host this fourth edition of the event, which will take place at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2019, on April 30 to May 2 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
 
The Startup Showdown is a must-attend event for investors, unmanned systems entrepreneurs and technology innovators. During the competition, which will be held in front of a live audience at XPONENTIAL 2019, five finalists will have 10 minutes each to pitch their business to a panel of judges. That will be followed by the judges cross examining each of the companies during a five-minute question and answer session.
 
“Year after year, the Startup Showdown has helped discover promising young companies that are developing innovative unmanned systems technology,” said Brian Wynne, president and CEO of AUVSI. “This competition has become an annual tradition at XPONENTIAL and one of the most talked about sessions during the show. AUVSI is pleased to partner with Starburst Accelerator and their experience in identifying and supporting the most promising startups and entrepreneurs in the unmanned systems community.”
 
“Starburst is proud to partner with AUVSI,” said Van Espahbodi, Managing Partner of Starburst Accelerator. “XPONENTIAL is an incredible gathering of talent and opportunities. By applying our startup selection process and technology criteria to select the best emerging companies to pitch, we will shine a light on the most promising entrepreneurs making an impact on our sector.”
For consideration to participate in the Startup Showdown, applicants should meet these criteria:
 

• Early-stage startup approaching Series A fundraising
• Product or service offering should aim to enhance unmanned systems technologies and processes in a unique or distinctive way
• Demonstrate clear growth potential and scalable investment opportunities
• Minimum Tech Readiness Level of TRL-5 or -6

 
The deadline for interested companies to submit the Startup Showdown Application is Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. The application fee is $189 and includes one (1) XPONENTIAL Exhibit Hall Pass (value $329). All applicants will receive a pass regardless of whether they are selected to compete in the Startup Showdown.
 
The grand prize is an AUVSI annual membership and several promotional opportunities at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2020 in Boston or another AUVSI conference to help raise a company’s visibility and make connections in the unmanned systems industry. The winner will also be automatically selected to present at one of the upcoming Starburst Accelerator Selection Committees as well as an opportunity to showcase at the annual Starburst Demo Day to meet even more investors.
 
Last year’s Startup Showdown winner was Iris Automation, a San Francisco-based company that has developed collision-avoidance technology to enable drones to safely fly beyond visual line of sight. The company was recently selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation to participate in three of the UAS Integration Pilot Program projects in the United States. The Iris system will be used to deliver defibrillators in Nevada, survey crops in Kansas and inspect pipelines in Alaska.

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 corporations and professionals from more than 60 countries involved in industry, government and academia. AUVSI members work in the defense, civil and commercial markets. For more information, visit AUVSI.org.
 
About Starburst Accelerator
Starburst Accelerator, the world’s first and only global aerospace accelerator, provides support to startups seeking to commercialize their activities in the aeronautics, defense and space markets. The program acts as a catalyst, linking early-stage companies to a wide network of strategic industry players and potential partners to accelerate the adoption of breakthrough innovations. Through its dedicated venture capital network, Starburst has offices in Los Angeles, Munich, Paris, Singapore, Montreal and San Francisco. Please visit us at www.starburst.aero.