OBI & OTRADI August 2026 Newsletter

OBI Client Company Recent Wins

Clear Crossing Biosciences

Hemex Health

Trace Biosciences

Learn more about OBI’s 32 startups by visiting our website!


Build the Company Your Science Deserves: Early Access to BioBuild

BioBuild is an eight-week commercialization cohort from Oregon Bioscience Incubator designed to help early-stage bioscience companies turn promising technologies into focused, fundable, and actionable businesses. Founders will gain practical guidance, expert mentorship, and tools to tackle the challenges that come with moving a technology toward commercialization, including market validation, regulatory strategy, intellectual property, partnerships, business strategy, and funding readiness.

If you’re building a bioscience company and want a clearer path from promising science to a stronger, more investable business, BioBuild is designed for you. The first cohort launches in early 2027, with applications opening soon.

Early access: Learn more about BioBuild and be the first to receive updates about the upcoming program.


BioMentor Spotlight:
Elizabeth Gordon

Dr. Elizabeth Gordon is a regulatory affairs expert with 34 years of experience across the pharmaceutical industry and the U.S. FDA, specializing in drug and biologics development, regulatory strategy, and commercial planning. She has extensive experience guiding companies through FDA and global regulatory processes, particularly for rare diseases and orphan products, and has successfully implemented expedited development programs for serious conditions.

As an independent consultant, Dr. Gordon advises pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies on regulatory strategy from early development through clinical studies, regulatory submissions, and commercialization. She most recently served as Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Design Therapeutics, where she supported development of novel GeneTAC™ therapies for rare and serious genetic diseases.

Previously, Dr. Gordon led regulatory affairs at Amplyx Pharmaceuticals, supporting development of treatments for rare invasive fungal infections and other serious conditions. Following Pfizer’s acquisition of Amplyx in 2021, she played a key role in the business development and transition efforts. She also led regulatory programs at Lumena Pharmaceuticals, helping advance therapies for rare liver diseases through clinical development and ultimately supporting the foundation for LIVMARLI’s later approval in the U.S. and Europe.

With deep experience spanning regulatory strategy, clinical development, FDA interactions, rare disease programs, and company transactions, Dr. Gordon brings valuable perspective to the OBI BioMentor community.


OBI Startup Spotlight Expo Returns September 17

Mark your calendar for one of OBI’s most anticipated events of the year: the Annual Startup Spotlight Expo on Thursday, September 17 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Oregon Bioscience Incubator. This signature event sells out every year and brings together founders, investors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders for an evening dedicated to innovation in biotech and life sciences.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet OBI resident startups, explore emerging technologies, and hear directly from the companies developing solutions that are shaping the future of health and science. The evening will also feature a panel of industry experts discussing timely trends, challenges, and opportunities across the biotech and life sciences sectors.

Startup Spotlight Expo sells out every year, and attendance is intentionally capped to create meaningful conversations and connections. Early registration is strongly encouraged.

Reserve Your Spot at Oregon’s Premier Biotech Startup Showcase


Registration Now Open for AOBIO 2026

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 Bioscience Incubator (OTRADI)OHSUOregon Life Sciences, and the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI), and Oregon State University Advantage Accelerator, the program provides founders with unparalleled access to expertise, infrastructure, and the local bioscience investment community.

In 2026, AOBIO will feature a five-week program designed to help early-stage life science and bioscience founders build fundraising knowledge and prepare for investment. The program includes three weeks of virtual education, a commercialization workshop, pitch practice with regional experts, and a culminating Angel Oregon Pitch Day. Companies with an established product or service, team, advisory board, and roadmap are encouraged to apply for consideration for the AOBIO equity investment, with final investment selections announced in December 2026.

Learn more and apply now to take your startup to the next level with AOBIO.


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


Upcoming Events at OBI

Virtual Lunch & Learn:
Patent Pitfalls: The Early Mistakes That Come Back to Bite You
Wednesday, August 26 | 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.
Register for Free

OBI Startup Spotlight Expo
Thursday, September 17 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Get tickets now!

Accelerate Biotech Networking Lunch at Bend Venture Conference
Thursday, October 15th | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Get Tickets Here

Upcoming Community Events

Bend Venture Conference
October 15 & 16
Tickets on Sale Now!


Emerging Talent

The Oregon bioscience community continues to grow, and talented professionals are looking for their next opportunity to contribute. The resumes featured below represent individuals with a range of experience and skills who are currently open to new roles. If your team is hiring or looking to connect with experienced talent, we’d be happy to help make an introduction.

Constance Aelbrecht
Jonas Emery
Michael McGowan
Niveditha Nerlakanti