OBI & OTRADI April 2026 Newsletter

OBI Client Company Recent Wins

EndoSound

Hemex Health

  • Hemex Health has received Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its Gazelle® Hb Variant Test. The designation recognizes the Gazelle’s potential to address unmet needs in the monitoring of hemoglobin disorders, including sickle cell disease.
    We’re also celebrating our 10-year anniversary this month. Our Gazelle® Hb Variant test is currently used in more than 40 countries.  We have also launched a ferritin test to measure iron deficiency anemia, which is a significant cause of anemia worldwide.

Madorra Inc.

  • Madorra has enrolled the first patient in its pivotal WAVES clinical trial, a key milestone toward FDA authorization of its non-hormonal, at-home therapy for moderate to severe vulvovaginal atrophy. The study builds on promising earlier data showing meaningful improvements in vaginal health and symptom relief, signaling strong potential for a new, patient-friendly treatment option in women’s health.

 

Learn more about OBI’s 29 startups by visiting our website!


Where Innovation Meets Endurance: Join OBI at Oregon Innovation Showcase 2026

Join us at the Oregon Innovation Showcase 2026, taking place May 11–12 in Portland, for one of the region’s premier gatherings of founders, investors, and innovation leaders. The Oregon Bioscience Incubator will be on-site with a table, so be sure to stop by, say hello, and connect with our team.

A highlight of this year’s program is a dynamic fireside chat featuring T.A. McCann and Lance Armstrong, exploring the parallels between endurance, resilience, and building successful ventures.

Whether you are looking to showcase your company, make meaningful connections, or gain insight from seasoned leaders, this is a can’t-miss event for Oregon’s innovation community.

Register here/More info


Save the Date: OBI Startup Spotlight Expo Returns September 17

Mark your calendar for OBI’s Annual Startup Spotlight Expo on September 17, 2026. This highly anticipated, sell-out event brings together founders, investors, and industry leaders for an evening of connection, discovery, and celebration of Oregon’s bioscience innovation. We are already planning an exciting lineup of startups and programming, and you will not want to miss what is in store this year.

Want to be first to know when registration opens?

Send an email request to ksantana@otradi.org and we will add you to the early access waitlist.

This one fills fast.


Step Into the OBI Network: BioMembership Is Here

Want to be part of OBI but do not need lab or office space? BioMembership was created with you in mind. It is designed for startups, service providers, and ecosystem partners who want to stay closely connected to OBI’s community, programs, and momentum without becoming a resident company.

BioMembers gain access to OBI-hosted events, member pricing for select educational programs, opportunities to reserve conference space, and increased visibility within our growing bioscience network. It is a flexible way to stay engaged, build meaningful relationships, and remain plugged into the energy and opportunity happening here every day.

If you are looking for connection, collaboration, and a seat at the table, BioMembership makes it simple to be part of OBI.

Learn More about BioMembership


BioMentor Spotlight: Rebecca Crane

This month, we are proud to spotlight BioMentor Rebecca Crane, who brings over a decade of hands-on experience developing innovative technologies and building the operational backbone that helps startups thrive. With a background spanning iota Biosciences, Medtronic, SetPoint Medical, and Advanced Bionics, Rebecca blends deep technical expertise, including ISO 13485 Lead Auditor training, with a practical understanding of quality systems, supply chain, and early-stage infrastructure. Known for her creativity, adaptability, and grit, she is passionate about helping teams move from uncertainty to real clinical impact. Rebecca holds a BS in Engineering and Applied Science from Caltech and is currently completing her MBA at the University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Manning School of Business.

Connect with her on LinkedIn to learn more:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-crane-90354414/


BioMentee Seeking Expertise:

AI-Powered Medication Management

One of our BioMentees is seeking connections with individuals who have experience or insight into the FDA’s recent authorization of AI-driven Medication Therapy Management (MTM) tools. This opportunity centers around an emerging healthtech solution aimed at transforming pharmaceutical backend operations, an area gaining strong attention from investors and industry leaders. The founder behind the technology brings both hospital and retail pharmacy experience and is actively exploring opportunities to build and grow in Oregon.

If you have relevant expertise or know someone who does, we would love to hear from you.

Send an email to aklein@otradi.org and we will help make the connection.


Building What Comes Next: Thank You to Chris Holbrook Construction

We are proud to recognize Chris Holbrook Construction as a 2026 OBI Corporate Sponsor. Known for their expertise in construction project management and commercial renovations, their work spans a wide range of projects across the Portland region, helping bring complex spaces to life with precision and care. Their support plays an important role in strengthening Oregon’s bioscience ecosystem, and we are grateful to have them as part of the OBI community helping build the future, quite literally.


 Upcoming Events at OBI

Virtual Lunch & Learn:
Formation and Licensing: What Founders Need to Know
Tuesday, April 14 | 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.
Register for Free

Think & Drink Trivia Night
Thursday, May 7 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Purchase Tickets


Emerging Talent

The future of Oregon’s bioscience workforce is bright. The students featured below are preparing to enter the field and are actively seeking opportunities to apply their training and skills. If your team is looking for motivated early-career talent, we would be happy to connect you.

Emily Taylor

Laila Major

Sergio Shaykin