A Message from David Kenney
President & Executive Director
Oregon BEST
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Impacting PNW Innovation Via Washington DC
Recently, I had two opportunities to visit the U.S. Capitol to help inform the federal budget appropriations process about the important role of innovation funding. In February, I joined a group of technology-based economic development professionals from all over the country to share how the
U.S. Economic Development Administration's Regional Innovation Strategies program helps support catalytic innovation programs and also leverage private, state, and local funds for new company development and job creation. (Since the program started in 2015, Oregon and Washington have been awarded millions of dollars.) Our efforts paid off: Congress increased the funding for this program, while many discretionary programs saw budget cuts.
In March, I joined the leaders of clean energy incubator and accelerator programs from five other states to share with national policy makers how the
U.S. Dept. of Energy's R&D programs, including
ARPA-E, are promoting U.S. competitiveness and economic growth, while also helping address energy and environmental challenges facing the world. Fortunately, many members of Congress from both major parties have seen the benefits of these programs and intend to support continued funding, despite requests from the White House to cut or eliminate significant R&D investments.
One of the challenges in being from the West Coast is that it's harder to spend time in Washington DC to ensure that all voices are heard. During the past four years, I've prioritized my involvement in activities in which I feel I can leverage resources to increase visibility for innovation issues and also ensure that our corner of the country has a seat at the table in making important policies. It's been heartening to see these efforts paying off!
Best wishes,
David Kenney,
President & Executive Director
Oregon BEST
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Arcimoto's EV Manufacturing Plant Gains Traction
Oregon BEST Company sees pre-orders double as first units roll off the line
Early on, Oregon BEST contributed to the R&D behind
Arcimoto's all-electric "Fun Utility Vehicle" (FUV), so it's rewarding to see production taking off at the startup's Eugene manufacturing facility. It's also good to know that pre-orders have doubled over the past year, increasing from 1,076 units as of Dec. 31, 2016 to 2,234 units at the end of 2017. Last September, Arcimioto raised $18.1 million in net proceeds through a Regulation A+ initial public offering and delivered its first Signature Series FUVs to paying customers. Read the
Portland Business Journal story.
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Tapping Plumbing and Pressure for Free Power
Startup completes successful prototype test at Oregon State University
InPipe Energy, an Oregon BEST Company, has completed an Oregon BEST funded collaborative testing project with Oregon State University engineers that proves the startup's technology is ready for "pipe time." The technology uses the difference in pressure between major arteries of water distribution networks and the smaller branches that feed homes and businesses. Currently, cities use flow-control valves to reduce pressure, but the energy produced at these valves is not captured, until now. After installation costs, “this is free energy,” says John Parmigiani, the OSU mechanical engineering professor who led a project. "It’s drop-dead simple.” Read the
Terra magazine story.
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IOTAS, NemaMetrix Selected for Innovation Awards
Both Oregon BEST Companies will showcase their innovative impact
Two Oregon BEST Companies are among the 15 awardees for the Small Business Innovation Awards from the
Portland Business Journal. The May 31 award ceremony will honor
IOTAS, Portland developer of a smart home technology that saves tenants and landlords energy, and
NemaMetrix, the Eugene startup that uses tiny nematode worms to improve drug development and detect environmental toxins.
Read more.
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Hybrid Engines for Drones
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Oregon BEST Member Researcher
CHRIS HAGEN, an assistant professor of energy systems engineering at Oregon State University-Cascades in Bend, is leading a team of researchers developing a prototype hybrid engine for small, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in what could be a significant development in drone technology. UAVs, or drones, and particularly small drones, are often limited by the amount of battery power they can carry. A hybrid engine, using a gasoline-powered engine to re-charge an onboard battery, would save fuel and allow UAVs to stay aloft longer.
Full story.
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FUNDING, EVENTS, &
DEADLINES
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EVENTS...
Attend what is known as the nation's best solar conference. Portland
Join NREL experts, cleantech startups, investors, accelerators, incubators, and other cleantech industry leaders to showcase innovative technologies and disruptive business solutions. Denver, CO
This is the primary method Seattle Angel uses to find and fund new startups. Seattle
Celebrate 10 years of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Southern Willamette Valley. Eugene
Now in it’s 12th year, the state’s premier energy event connects policy with practice and addresses the industry’s current challenges and opportunities. Portland
The nation's largest conference on electric and smart mobility. Portland
Save the Date...!
June 21 |
10-Year Anniversary Party!
On the Summer Solstice, starting at Noon, plan to help Oregon BEST celebrate its first decade and hear some exciting news about our next chapter! Lunch provided. Portland
Industry leaders, innovators, policy makers, and investors from the U.S. and Canada gather to experience the latest cleantech innovations, ideas, and initiatives. Seattle
Join the national tour when it stops in Portland and Seattle and learn how to compete for $2.5 billion in federal funding.
Explore the critical issues, benefits, and opportunities of electrification with an unparalleled collection of industry experts. Long Beach, CA
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FUNDING | SUPPORT | VISIBILITY...
Oregon BEST helps cleantech startups and university researchers find a range of support, visibility, and
FUNDING
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Application Deadline Extended: April 30
Powered by Oregon BEST and CleanTech Alliance, the
Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator is accepting applications for its 2018 cohort. The CCA seeks clean technology entrepreneurs and early-stage startups wanting to speed the path to market with curriculum, mentorship, business connections, and the opportunity to compete for
cash prizes and
grant funding for proof of concept projects. FMI, contact:
Vanessa Margolis.
Apply to Present by May 1
Presenting companies range from early stage startups looking for investment and partners to established organizations interested in sharing new technologies or programs. Research institutes and university groups are encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline: May 14
Typical investments made in 5-8 early stage companies are anticipated to range from $150,000 to $250,000 per company.
RocketSpace and BP have teamed up on this accelerator to shape the future movement of people, goods, and services. Up to 21 startups are selected to participate. Request an application.
If your product or service is “Made in America,” your company could qualify for this matching grant funding from the Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center.
A group of investors contributes time, expertise, capital, and connections to help founders gain access to the right people and resources to grow their business their way.
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TRANSFORM YOUR
IDEA INTO IMPACT
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We're Here to Help You Make an Impact!
Resources and expertise for Oregon innovators and investors
Oregon BEST
supports great ideas from entrepreneurs, university researchers, and startups. We create global impact, one startup at a time by working with you to transform your ideas, research, and/or products into successful enterprises.
For
Oregon-based companies developing proprietary, technology-based products
, we offer assistance in securing
early-stage funding
, as well as access to
critical support channels
. Talk to us!
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