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.
Don't miss the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 to turn ideas into real-world impact.
The Oregon Innovation Challenge (OIC) is a program for University of Oregon students and faculty of all backgrounds to build projects with support from mentors and peers.
This is more of a community than a competition. Everyone involved understands how hard it is to start something and wants to see others succeed. No matter age or experience level, OIC is designed to help participants take their next step. Many participants are doing this for the first time.
- As many strong projects as possible will be funded. Currently, there is ~$130,000 available, with ongoing efforts to raise more.
- Participants work on what matters to them. Mentors provide feedback and guidance, but all project decisions remain with the team.
- All stages are welcome—from early ideas to active ventures.
- Projects can be solo or team-based, and teams can form during the program.
- The time commitment is manageable, and participation is flexible. This is not a class—there are no grades, and anyone can step away at any time with no penalty.
Applications take about two minutes to complete and close Friday, January 23 at 11:59 p.m. Submissions can be an existing project, a brand-new idea, or even just a problem worth solving. A polished plan is not required, and funding decisions are not based on the initial submission.
Submit your application online and get started!
Then, join us for our kickoff event the the following Sunday, January 25 at 11:00 a.m.
Go Ducks 🦆
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Don't miss the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 to turn ideas into real-world impact.
The Oregon Innovation Challenge (OIC) is a program for University of Oregon students and faculty of all backgrounds to build projects with support from mentors and peers.
This is more of a community than a competition. Everyone involved understands how hard it is to start something and wants to see others succeed. No matter age or experience level, OIC is designed to help participants take their next step. Many participants are doing this for the first time.
- As many strong projects as possible will be funded. Currently, there is ~$130,000 available, with ongoing efforts to raise more.
- Participants work on what matters to them. Mentors provide feedback and guidance, but all project decisions remain with the team.
- All stages are welcome—from early ideas to active ventures.
- Projects can be solo or team-based, and teams can form during the program.
- The time commitment is manageable, and participation is flexible. This is not a class—there are no grades, and anyone can step away at any time with no penalty.
Applications take about two minutes to complete and close Friday, January 23 at 11:59 p.m. Submissions can be an existing project, a brand-new idea, or even just a problem worth solving. A polished plan is not required, and funding decisions are not based on the initial submission.
Submit your application online and get started!
Then, join us for our kickoff event the the following Sunday, January 25 at 11:00 a.m.
Go Ducks 🦆
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Don't miss the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 to turn ideas into real-world impact.
The Oregon Innovation Challenge (OIC) is a program for University of Oregon students and faculty of all backgrounds to build projects with support from mentors and peers.
This is more of a community than a competition. Everyone involved understands how hard it is to start something and wants to see others succeed. No matter age or experience level, OIC is designed to help participants take their next step. Many participants are doing this for the first time.
- As many strong projects as possible will be funded. Currently, there is ~$130,000 available, with ongoing efforts to raise more.
- Participants work on what matters to them. Mentors provide feedback and guidance, but all project decisions remain with the team.
- All stages are welcome—from early ideas to active ventures.
- Projects can be solo or team-based, and teams can form during the program.
- The time commitment is manageable, and participation is flexible. This is not a class—there are no grades, and anyone can step away at any time with no penalty.
Applications take about two minutes to complete and close Friday, January 23 at 11:59 p.m. Submissions can be an existing project, a brand-new idea, or even just a problem worth solving. A polished plan is not required, and funding decisions are not based on the initial submission.
Submit your application online and get started!
Then, join us for our kickoff event the the following Sunday, January 25 at 11:00 a.m.
Go Ducks 🦆
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
