OBI Secures Additional Funding for CIE Program – A Historic First in Our Advocacy Efforts
This biennium marks a milestone as OBI launched its first-ever lobbying effort to secure additional funding for the Business Oregon CIE program. Through this effort, and with the support of our legislative champion, Representative Daniel Nguyen, we catalyzed a win that increases the CIE program budget by 33% for 2025-2027. This boost will enable us and other CIEs to expand innovation support across Oregon.
From Representative Nguyen:
OBI Celebrates Renewal of CIE Funding from Business Oregon
We are thrilled to announce the renewal of our Centers of Innovation Excellence (CIE) funding from Business Oregon. This partnership has been integral to the growth of Oregon’s bioscience industry, positioning Oregon as a leader in innovation. Business Oregon recognizes CIEs as a cornerstone of Oregon’s broader strategic efforts, including the 10-Year Innovation Plan. We are excited to continue this impactful work for another biennium, thanks to Business Oregon’s ongoing support. Read the Business Oregon Press Release.
OBI Client Company Recent Wins
- We’re proud to partner with Syrma Johari Medtech Limited to expand access to innovative point-of-care diagnostics. This collaboration strengthens our ability to deliver affordable, high-quality diagnostic solutions globally—especially for chronic and blood-based conditions like sickle cell disease, anemia, and more.
- SurgiVance has just secured a $2.25M Phase II SBIR grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to commercialize its “lab‑in‑a‑box” direct-to-digital pathology imaging platform. This could revolutionize cancer diagnostics: no glass slides, real-time molecular imaging, AI-powered precision. Read the release on Newswire.
Learn more about OBI’s 30 startups by visiting our website!
Celebrating Our Incredible Clients
Thank you to all the client companies who joined us for OBI’s recent Client Appreciation Lunch! We had a wonderful afternoon celebrating our vibrant community with a summer picnic party featuring delicious food from Mundo Catering and plenty of lively conversation. It was a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, and enjoy the sunshine together.
We are truly grateful for the innovative minds and collaborative spirit that make OBI such a special place, and we look forward to the exciting projects and successes we will create together in the months ahead.
New Patent & Trademark Resource Center Now Available in Oregon
Great news for Oregon innovators: Oregon State University Libraries have recently been designated as a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC), making this valuable resource accessible to all Oregonians. PTRCs offer free access to specialized databases, research tools, and expert guidance to help individuals and startups navigate the patent and trademark process.
Whether you’re exploring the early stages of intellectual property protection or refining a filing strategy, OSU’s PTRC staff can assist with conducting searches, understanding application procedures, and connecting you to additional USPTO resources. This new center is a welcome boost for Oregon’s innovation ecosystem.
BIP Corp
Biomedical Innovation Commercialization Readiness Program
BIP Corp is a dynamic 6-week I-Corps short course designed to accelerate the journey from lab discovery to clinical application. Based on the National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps (I-Corps™) model, this evidence-based program challenges you to step out of your comfort zone, connect with potential customers, and build a compelling business case to attract funding, partners, and translational science opportunities.
Participants will assess the commercial potential of their ideas, develop strategies to secure funding and collaborators, receive expert feedback from biomedical and startup professionals, expand their innovation network, and generate valuable preliminary data for grant and SBIR/STTR proposals. Course details and schedule are available now, with enrollment open through September 1.
Registration Now Open for AOBIO 2025
Applications are now open for Angel Oregon Life & Bioscience (AOBIO), a premier investment-readiness program supporting early-stage life and bioscience startups in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Hosted by Oregon Entrepreneurs Network in collaboration with Oregon Bioscience Association, Oregon Bioscience Incubator/OTRADI, OHSU, and ONAMI, this program offers invaluable education, networking, and the opportunity for equity investment from local angel investors.
In 2025, AOBIO will feature two three-week virtual education series designed to prepare startups at any stage for investment. Sessions will take place online Thursday mornings and will include an in-person pitch practice with feedback from regional experts. Companies with a developed product or service, team, advisory board, and roadmap are encouraged to apply. Final investment selections will be made in December 2025.
Learn more and apply now to take your startup to the next level with AOBIO.
Dedicated Desks Now Available in OBI’s Co-Working Space
Due to high demand, OBI is excited to announce that dedicated desk leases in our co-working space are once again available. These desks offer a professional, collaborative environment ideal for biotech innovators looking for a productive place to work and connect with like-minded professionals.
To learn more about the available spaces and how they can support your company’s growth, visit our facilities page to fill out the inquiry form at the bottom. Don’t miss this opportunity to become part of our thriving biotech community!
Upcoming Events at OBI
Virtual Lunch & Learn:
Powerful Partnering: Unlock Funding Through Better Conversations
Tuesday, September 9th | 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.
Reserve Your Free Ticket Now
OBI Annual Startup Spotlight Expo
Thursday, September 11 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Get Tickets Here
Upcoming Community Events
Bend Venture Conference
October 16 & 17
Tickets on Sale Now!