New companies spinning out in Oregon represent a broad range of investment opportunities, including medical devices, digital health, therapeutics, engineering, agriculture, software and more. ICOregon fosters the development of university startups through licensing of intellectual property, education and mentorship, and connecting startups with investment opportunities. The network also includes multiple accelerator programs that provide additional resources for their university’s spinout companies. Visit the Resources page to learn more about local accelerators and incubators, as well as other resources for startup companies in Oregon.

Featured ICOregon startup companies

Visit the below links to see full startup portfolios of participating ICOregon universities.

Recent startup success and news

Espiku Secures Key Investments to Accelerate Growth December 2024.

In December 2024, Espiku was selected to join the Halliburton Labs Commercialization Program, receiving a $500,000 SAFE investment to support its technology development. Earlier in the fall, the company was also chosen for Breakthrough Energy Ventures’ Fellows Program, which included a $500,000 award.

Agility Robotics Secures $150 Million in Funding in October 2024.

Agility Robotics, which worked with the OSU Advantage Accelerator to develop its technology and grow its business, closed a $150 million Series C funding round in October 2024. This investment will support the company's continued development and deployment of advanced robotics solutions.

LiquidWire 4th largest recipient of venture capital investment ($14MM) in the Oregon/SW Washington region for 2023.

Liquid Wire is the market leader in stretchable electronics, with lightweight, rugged circuits revolutionizing wearables and products for health, work, safety, sport, and fun. Their core products specialize in stretchable interconnects, advanced strain sensing technology, and durable electronics packaging materials – ensuring seamless communication, power distribution, and signal integrity across various devices. Imagine electronics that can bend, stretch, and flex without losing their effectiveness, designed with durability in mind to withstand over 1 million cycles.

OHSU startups take home top investments at Angel Oregon Life and Bioscience Showcase. June, 2023
OHSU startups ProMedix and Trace Biosciences received new investments at the second annual Angel Oregon Life and Bioscience Grand Finale and Innovation Showcase. ProMedix is developing FlowSense to aid in the diagnosis of sepsis in an emergency room setting, potentially allowing clinicians to treat it earlier and keep patients out of the intensive care unit. Trace Biosciences is developing Nerve Trace, a novel fluorescent agent that, in real time, provides direct highlighting of nerves during surgery. Using near-infrared fluorescence, Nerve Trace makes it possible for surgeons to identify nerves buried beneath the surface, potentially sparing patients from long-term nerve damage complications. Read more about the companies and recent investments.

OSU startup e-MSion acquired by Agilent. March, 2023
Agilent Technologies Inc. has acquired of e-MSion, an early-stage OSU startup company behind the innovative electron capture dissociation (ECD) technology known as the ExD cell. The ExD cell is a compact device for mass spectrometers that enables biological researchers to develop biotherapeutic products more quickly to treat disease. e-MSion was founded on OSU IP in 2015 after years of research. While the company previously started production of their unique devices, this acquisition will move the technology significantly forward into the market. The OSU Advantage Office provided support in patenting, licensing, contracting and other services. e-MSion is a graduate of the OSU Advantage Accelerator. For more information read the press release.

OSU startup company NuScale Power begins trading on Wall Street at a valuation of over $2B. May, 2022
NuScale’s flexible design is redefining nuclear. Their NuScale Power Module™ is premised on well-established nuclear technology principles with a focus on integration of components, simplification or elimination of systems, and use of passive safety features. This results in a highly reliable operation underpinned by an extremely strong safety case and unparalleled asset protection, making it suitable to be sited at locations closer to where electricity or process heat are needed, providing the added benefit of being resilient during storms and outages. For more information read the investment announcement and visiting the NuScale Power website.

University of Oregon startup company Insignia acquired by Phreesia. December, 2021
A UO health care startup launched to improve health outcomes for patients has been acquired by Phreesia, a publicly owned company that automates and manages patient intake. Insignia Health uses a copyrighted and trademarked tool known as the Patient Activation Measure, developed by a team of researchers led by UO professor emerita Judith Hibbard. The application of Patient Activation Measure results has been shown to contribute directly to improved health outcomes and lower cost of health care for patients, said Chris Delaney, the CEO and co-founder of Insignia Health. The health care software company Phressia said it acquired Insignia Health so it can better empower patients to be more active participants in their health care. The company highlighted Insignia’s reputation and success in their announcement of the sale. For more information read the press release.

The Innovate Collaborate Oregon 2022 Impact Brief

The ICOregon 2022 Impact Brief highlights recent accomplishments within the ICOregon network, many of which were made possible by leveraging state funding programs. Learn more about success from programs established by the Oregon legislature, including the University Innovation Research Fund and the University Venture Development Fund, including startup milestones and university grants aimed at promoting innovation and economic growth across the state. Read the full Impact Brief.