Accelerating Innovation at the University of Oregon
The Robert Family Launch Strategy Seminar Series helps transform University of Oregon research discoveries and student innovations into investment-ready ventures. Created in partnership with the UO Foundation’s Launch Oregon fund and the Lundquist College of Business, the series equips founders with the tools, mentorship, and strategic frameworks needed to move from concept to launch.
Each year, faculty and student founders work side by side with experienced venture capitalists, CEOs, and MBA students to refine their business models, set measurable goals, and build sustainable pathways to market. The result: more startups emerging from the university ecosystem with the structure, strategy, and investor confidence to grow.
Program Overview
To move UO-related company ideas forward by assisting research faculty, alumni, and student founders with their launch process and providing students with experiential engagement through real-world case studies.
The series blends structured business development sessions, expert mentorship, and student collaboration through four integrated components: pre-work sessions, domain-specific luminary speakers, Balance Scorecard workshops, and follow-up sessions.
"The power of the Oregon network is in full force with Launch Oregon and the Robert Family Launch Strategy Seminar Series. Our early stage startup was given access to industry-leading founders, CEOs, and investors, who did deep dives on our business plans and offered wildly helpful coaching and access to their networks. I’m deeply grateful to Nate, the Launch Oregon team, and the university for including us in this powerful program."
— Corey Maynard,MBA '01, Founder and CEO, BCKR
Program Impact
Launched in Fall 2024, the Robert Family Launch Strategy Seminar Series has already supported a diverse portfolio of University of Oregon startups representing breakthrough science, technology, and social impact initiatives:
- Alchemy Coatings – PFAS-free waterproofing chemistry
- AsteriaRx – Polymeric nanoparticle technology for targeted drug delivery
- BCKR – Innovative fan gear that stands up to the elements
- Evergreen Bioworks – Biological determinants of longevity research
- KeyBiome – Microbiome-based therapeutics
- Northwest Prevention Science – Mental health app for families and schools
- NatureQuant – Data-driven metrics linking nature exposure to health and urban planning
- Penderia Technologies – Orthopedic implantable wireless sensor technology
- SynPlexity – High-capacity gene synthesis platform
Each company has leveraged the seminar series to refine strategy, strengthen business fundamentals, and connect with Oregon’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Related Events
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
If you have a business or product idea, the Oregon Innovation Challenge is your opportunity to work toward making it happen.
As a participant in the challenge, you'll be part of a supportive community in which you can work on a new idea, an existing project, or a problem you want to solve.
The program runs from January to April. You'll attend workshops once a month. Between workshops, you'll build your project at your own pace. Throughout, you'll get mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and innovators. In early spring term, you can pitch for up to $10,000 in funding.
Students of all ages and majors are welcome. You can join solo or with a team. It's also common for teams to form during the program. Teams must have at least one University of Oregon student in a major role.
Join the Oregon Innovation Challenge for its first kickoff meeting and find out how you can turn your ideas into impact!
APPLY NOW—no pressure, no commitment!
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
If you have a business or product idea, the Oregon Innovation Challenge is your opportunity to work toward making it happen.
As a participant in the challenge, you'll be part of a supportive community in which you can work on a new idea, an existing project, or a problem you want to solve.
The program runs from January to April. You'll attend workshops once a month. Between workshops, you'll build your project at your own pace. Throughout, you'll get mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and innovators. In early spring term, you can pitch for up to $10,000 in funding.
Students of all ages and majors are welcome. You can join solo or with a team. It's also common for teams to form during the program. Teams must have at least one University of Oregon student in a major role.
Join the Oregon Innovation Challenge for its first kickoff meeting and find out how you can turn your ideas into impact!
APPLY NOW—no pressure, no commitment!
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
If you have a business or product idea, the Oregon Innovation Challenge is your opportunity to work toward making it happen.
As a participant in the challenge, you'll be part of a supportive community in which you can work on a new idea, an existing project, or a problem you want to solve.
The program runs from January to April. You'll attend workshops once a month. Between workshops, you'll build your project at your own pace. Throughout, you'll get mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and innovators. In early spring term, you can pitch for up to $10,000 in funding.
Students of all ages and majors are welcome. You can join solo or with a team. It's also common for teams to form during the program. Teams must have at least one University of Oregon student in a major role.
Join the Oregon Innovation Challenge for its first kickoff meeting and find out how you can turn your ideas into impact!
APPLY NOW—no pressure, no commitment!
Get Involved
Interested in supporting the next generation of UO innovators? Join us as a mentor, partner, or investor and help advance research-driven entrepreneurship across Oregon and beyond.
Contact: John Hull at the Lundquist College of Business or Nate Costa at the University of Oregon Foundation
