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Economic Impact

AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CATALYST

Workers in labSince the Oregon Legislature established Oregon BEST in 2007, our Member Faculty have brought more than $45 million in research revenue to our state.

The companies that receive our Commercialization Grants use this funding to leverage additional dollars, expand operations, and create new green jobs.

By connecting businesses with our statewide networks of university researchers and shared-user research facilities, we facilitate public-private collaborations that spark cleantech economic growth and boost Oregon’s bottom line.

An economic development catalyst, Oregon BEST is fueling Oregon’s green economy through a mix of programs:

  • Commercialization Grant Program - a funding mechanism that accelerates commercialization of technologies developed by collaborative teams of university researchers and small businesses.
  • Sustainable Built Environment Research Consortium - a regional group of member firms, organizations, and researchers collaborating on research, development, and commercialization of sustainable technologies and services for the sustainable built environment.
  • Shared-User Research Facilities - a statewide network of university-based research facilities that offer industry access to cutting-edge research tools, faculty expertise, and workforce development opportunities.
  • Network of Member Faculty - a network of 200+ faculty across four universities offer expertise and advice ranging from research to entrepreneurship.
  • Proposal Matching Program - a program that positions and supports Oregon BEST Member Faculty to compete nationally to win research grants.

 

Indow Windows Factory in Portland SUCCESS STORY...
Read how Portland startup Indow Windows is finding success...with help from an Oregon BEST Commercialization Grant and an Oregon BEST research lab.

 

Download our overview brochure, as well as our brochures that describe how Oregon BEST is helping Oregon lead the nation in solar energy and the sustainable built environment:

For a list of Oregon's university developed technologies currently available for commercialization, go to ICOregon.net. See also the University of Oregon's Integrative Science Website, and Oregon State University's Partnering With Industry website.