OTRADI fills the gap between research and commercialization by providing resources and expertise found nowhere else in Oregon. OTRADI operates Oregon’s only nonprofit collaborative bioscience discovery laboratory, as well as the state’s first and only bioscience-specific incubator.
The Oregon Translational Research and Development Institute (OTRADI) was initiated in 2007 with a mission to translate scientific research developed in the state of Oregon’s research laboratories into commercial ventures. The word “translational” refers to this task: transforming research into industry.
Ms. Ellis joined the OBI in the Fall of 2017 and within two years of joining the organization, she became OBI’s Assistant Director. As Assistant Director she developed entrepreneurial programs, grew OBI’s partnerships and collaborations, participated on the Portland Innovation Quadrant’s startup resources work group, acted as OBI’s digital and marketing presence, as well as developed programs, workshops and events designed to grow Oregon’s startup bioscience and digital health ecosystem.
In her current role as Interim Director, Heather manages and oversees all of OBI and OTRADI operations and spearheads OBI’s newest initiatives. Since her arrival, the OBI has grown from 18 to 30 companies. She currently serves on: the Oregon Bioscience Association Board of Directors and the Portland Innovation Quadrant Board of Directors.
Ms. Ellis graduated from Portland State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree with minors in Business and Communications.
Ms. Thompson is an administrator with years of experience providing associations and businesses with managerial support. Before joining OTRADI, Thompson was an executive assistant at a number of large organizations, including Newsweek magazine and the City Club of San Francisco.
The OBI has two Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs), Bill Newman and Gordon Hoffman. Both have extensive entrepreneurial and venture capital backgrounds. They assist and coach OBI client companies and, through their BioMentor role, other emerging Oregon bioscience startups throughout the state of Oregon. Their areas of expertise include business formation, financing options, investor presentation reviews, business strategy, business model development, corporate development and governance, M&A, strategic partnerships, and both general and bioscience-specific business issues. The EIRs have an onsite office and work with OBI client companies regularly.
The OBI has two Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs), Bill Newman and Gordon Hoffman. Both have extensive entrepreneurial and venture capital backgrounds. They assist and coach OBI client companies and, through their BioMentor role, other emerging Oregon bioscience startups throughout the state of Oregon. Their areas of expertise include business formation, financing options, investor presentation reviews, business strategy, business model development, corporate development and governance, M&A, strategic partnerships, and both general and bioscience-specific business issues. The EIRs have an onsite office and work with OBI client companies regularly.
