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
No Experience Necessary Challenge: Pitch Your Business Idea for a Chance to Win $25,000
2:00 p.m.Oct
29
2:00–3:30 p.m.
Have a business idea? Here's your chance to turn it into something real.
Ronnen Harary, co-founder of Spin Master and co-creator of PAW Patrol and Bakugan, is bringing the No Experience Necessary (NEN) Challenge to the University of Oregon. Students are invited to pitch their business ideas in just 60 seconds for a chance to receive $500 in startup funding and compete for one of ten $25,000 grants.
Here's how it works:
- Register online in advance, then bring your idea to Gilbert Plaza outside the Lundquist College of Business on October 29.
- You'll have 60 seconds to pitch directly to Harary, followed by 60 seconds of questions.
- If selected, you'll receive $500 on the spot and have seven days to put that money toward your idea.
- Participants who complete the challenge requirements will be eligible for consideration as finalists, with ten founders ultimately receiving $25,000 each to build their businesses.
No pitch deck or previous business experience required. Just bring your idea and be ready to share it!
Join us later at 5:00 p.m. in Columbia Hall for a moderated discussion and Q&A with Ronnen. Learn more here.
Fireside with Ronnen Harary: Build Something Meaningful from Scratch
5:00 p.m.Oct
29
5:00–6:00 p.m.
What does it take to turn an idea into a successful business?
Join Ronnen Harary, co-founder of Spin Master and co-creator of PAW Patrol and Bakugan, for a fireside conversation about entrepreneurship, building a business, and bringing ideas to life. This moderated discussion will be followed by a Q&A.
Harary will share insights from his entrepreneurial journey as part of his No Experience Necessary campus tour, which encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take the first step toward building something of their own.
This event is co-hosted by UO Women in Business, Oregon Founders Club, and UO American Marketing Association.
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
Strategy Seminar Series
