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University Venture Development Fund

The University Venture Development Fund (UVDF), provides Oregon universities the opportunity to accept gifts from individuals and organizations that wish to support research and commercialization activities at the universities.

The purpose of the UVDF is to provide:

• Capital for university entrepreneurial programs

• Opportunities for students to gain experience in applying research to commercial activities

• Proof-of-concept funding for transforming research and development concepts into commercially viable products and services

• Entrepreneurial opportunities for persons interested in transforming research into viable, commercial ventures that creates jobs in the State of Oregon

Which Oregon universities participate in the UVDF?

• Eastern Oregon University

• Oregon Health & Science University

• Oregon Institute of Technology

• Oregon State University

• Portland State University

• Southern Oregon University

• University of Oregon

• Western Oregon University

What are the tax incentives for contributing to the UVDF?

Contributing donors to the UVDF receive a significant State of Oregon tax credit, and the university Technology Transfer offices are able to use the funds to facilitate the commercialization of university research and development, and to support projects and innovations that show promise for having impact. For more information on qualifying for the UVDF State of Oregon tax credit, read moreError! Hyperlink reference not valid.read more here. To donate to the UVDF, contact ICOregon here.

UVDF success stories

UO’s research based startup in healthcare management, Insignia Health, was acquired by Phreesia (NYSE: PHR) in December 2021. Insignia will maintain its offices in Portland as it grows with the additional resources and healthcare system access through Phreesia. Insignia received a UVDF grant to expand marketing of the Patient Activation Measure (PAM®) and to grow their Coaching for Activation system. Co-founder Professor Judith Hibbard, was named one of the 3000 most highly cited researchers by Thompson Reuters and listed as one of "The World's Most Influential Scientific Minds" in 2014.

Oregon State University spin-out company Inpria was acquired by JSR Corporation in September, 2021. Inpria was founded in 2007 from Oregon State University’s Department of Chemistry and received a university venture development award in 2009 that helped them begin to grow their team. Since then Inpria has complemented their technical founders with a diverse team with decades of experience working at organizations throughout the semiconductor industry. Inpria manufactures and sells a suite of EUV metal oxide photoresists. By design, Inpria photoresists enable patterning at exceptionally small pitches and feature sizes. Inpria resists have fewer components than organic photoresists which improves material homogeneity and device yield. As metal oxides with unparalleled etch selectivity, Inpria photoresists enable simpler manufacturing flows and novel chip architectures. For more information read the investment announcement and visiting the Inpria website.

Diatomix started in the Portland State University physics department and focuses on the development of a material which could destroy organic pollutants. With help from the National Science Foundation, the State of Oregon UVDF, the Oregon Nano-science and Microtechnologies Institute, the Sustainability Investment Fund and Lectrix Diatomix is poised to launch their first product capable of utilizing our material, called Ditanium. For more information visit the Diatomix website.

ICOregon can provide interested parties, both venture capital groups and angel investors, with a large portfolio of startup company investment opportunities. Contact ICOregon directly to share your investment criteria and our network can provide materials on potential matches in our startup community. Interested investors can also visit the Investment Opportunities page to find more information and recent news about ICOregon startups.

Interested in joining a startup as a consultant or c-level executive? ICOregon can connect entrepreneurs interested in new ventures with startup companies looking to recruit new talent and advisors. Contact ICOregon to learn more about opportunities to join a startup company.

OHSU Innovation and Commercialization Internship
OHSU Innovation and Commercialization interns provide a valuable service by assisting with technology development and the transition of technology from laboratory to market for the benefit of the public. In return, interns gain valuable knowledge and skills that can be applied in a wide range of professions. This internship is open to non-OHSU members and more information and application deadlines can be found at the Commercialization Internship webpage.

UO-Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program
Inspired by industry, the University of Oregon’s Knight Campus Internship Program is a cutting-edge graduate education program that provides talented, industry-ready professionals to an advanced, high-tech workforce. While pursing master’s degrees, students participate in mentored, immersive programs tailored to provide real-world career-focused skills and hands-on experience in materials-and life-sciences. More details about the program can be found at the Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program webpage.

Oregon State University Accelerator Intern Program
The Accelerator Internship Program is designed to give hands on experience researching the commercialization potential of business concepts originating from the Oregon State University community. Student interns take part in a variety of tasks needed to screen and market technologies and business concepts for potential commercial use. More information can be found on the Accelerator Intern Program webpage.

PSU Center for Entrepreneurship
PSUCE is the home of experiential learning and co-curricular activities in entrepreneurship and innovation at Portland State University. Our mission is to be the resource hub for PSU students and faculty to catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship across campus, developing new companies, technologies and more. More information can be found on the PSU Center for Entrepreneurship webpage.

If your organization, university or business is interested in joining the ICOregon network to collectively promote innovation and entrepreneurship across the state, please use the Contact Us page to get started.