Researcher Resources to Support Your Innovation Journey
Oregon State is strengthening its support system for faculty and staff engaged in innovation and entrepreneurship by offering a variety of resources to help maximize societal and economic impact. Research shows that industry connections, patents, and commercialization activities can increase funding opportunities, boost research productivity, enhance student success, and deliver real-world benefits from scientific discovery (PNAS, 2014).
While there are many paths to commercialization, two primary options include licensing OSU innovations to:
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A Startup – A new company that can grow independently or attract acquisition.
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An Established Company – An existing business that integrates the technology into its operations.
Successful OSU technology commercialization examples include NuScale Power and Agility Robotics.
Need Short-Term Lab Space to Advance Your Research?
Oregon State offers short-term commercialization space on campus—ranging from six months to two years—for researchers developing early-stage technologies. These spaces are designed to help bridge the gap between academic discovery and product development.
This opportunity includes expert support from the OSU Advantage Accelerator, such as funding, training, and guidance to move your research closer to commercialization.
Looking for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training at OSU?
The OSU Advantage Accelerator supports high-growth company development through structured programming and funding opportunities:
- Iterate – A free, four-workshop series that helps evaluate early-stage ideas through an entrepreneurial lens.
- Accelerate – An 8–10 week program providing hands-on guidance to validate your concept, engage customers, build a viable business model, and prepare for launch.
I&E Training Programs
The OSU Advantage Accelerator supports high-growth company development through structured programming and funding opportunities:
- Iterate – A free, four-workshop series (offered once per term, excluding summer) that helps evaluate early-stage ideas through an entrepreneurial lens.
- Accelerate – An 8–10 week program (offered each term, excluding summer) that provides hands-on guidance for validating business concepts, talking to customers, designing viable business models, and preparing for launch.
Support & Resources
- OSU Advantage Intellectual Property & Licensing – Facilitates technology commercialization by:
- Developing intellectual property protection strategies
- Managing research, confidentiality, material transfer, and industry agreements
- Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Institute (ATAMI) – Offers access to specialized tooling, faculty labs, state-of-the-art facilities, and expert staff for advancing research in manufacturing and technology.
- Innovation Co-Lab at OSU-Cascades – Provides coaching, space, and hands-on business support.
- Glady’s Valley Marine Studies Building Innovation Lab – Located at the OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center, this lab provides space and equipment to take projects from concept to market.
- OSU Prototype Development Lab – A hub for solving real-world industry problems while providing experiential learning for students.
- Impact Studio – A platform where faculty and staff develop and launch high-impact initiatives that advance OSU’s strategic goals.
- VertueLab – Helps startups navigate SBIR/STTR grant applications for funding.
Funding Opportunities
- $5,000 Innovation Day Award – Available each term for eligible faculty. Learn more at Innovation Day.
- UVDF AID & Impact Funding – Learn more about AID Fund awards up to $15,000.
- Additional Funding Opportunities – Explore a range of funding options for research commercialization.
Student Resources to Support Your Innovation Journey
At Oregon State University, undergraduate and graduate students have access to a wide range of innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) resources designed to build real-world skills, develop career resiliency, and even launch a startup while earning a degree.
Learning to think innovatively and entrepreneurially is key to long-term career success. The economy is evolving rapidly, and employers increasingly value graduates with I&E skills. College is an ideal time to explore resources that foster creativity, problem-solving, and business acumen—skills that will benefit your career regardless of your field of study.
No matter your major, OSU provides numerous opportunities to engage with I&E programs and communities.
Entrepreneurship Training
The following programs provide hands-on opportunities for students interested in launching or working with startups:
- OSU Advantage Accelerator – Supports the development of high-growth companies through tailored programming.
- Advantage Accelerator Internship – A paid opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience researching the commercialization potential of OSU-based business concepts.
- COB InnovationX – A program that allows students to explore entrepreneurship, test new business ideas, and launch ventures.
- The Next Great Startup – OSU’s annual competition for student-led teams looking to turn an idea into a real company.
Support Resources
OSU offers numerous student organizations, makerspaces, and research opportunities to help students develop skills and network with peers:
- Student Clubs – With over 400 student organizations, OSU provides opportunities to connect with peers in various fields of interest.
- College of Business Student Clubs – Includes clubs focused on Business Information Systems, Entrepreneurship, and more.
- The DAMLab Makerspace – Provides access to a wide range of tools, enabling students to innovate from design through manufacturing. Membership is available to students in certain clubs, such as the Robotics Club, 3D Printing Club, and Inventors Enterprise Club.
- Undergraduate Student Research – Open to students from all backgrounds. Learn more about available opportunities.
- Undergraduate Research Program Opportunities – A listing of available research projects.
- Graduate School Support Resources – Resources available for graduate students interested in entrepreneurship and research.
Academic Courses & Degrees
Several colleges at OSU offer coursework and degree programs focused on innovation and entrepreneurship:
- College of Business – Offers an Innovation and Entrepreneurship minor, an Innovation Management Double Degree, and advanced degrees such as a Ph.D. with an option in Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. View course offerings.
- College of Engineering – Includes courses such as HEST/ANTH 199: Introduction to Innovation for Social Impact and the HWeekend event.
- College of Science – Offers the Foundations of Innovation (SCI 470 and SCI 570), providing scientists and engineers with essential skills for commercializing research.
- College of Liberal Arts – Includes courses such as ART 451: Introduction to Arts Entrepreneurship (cross-listed as ART 451/MUS 451/TA 451) and NMC 441: Media Entrepreneurship Studies.
Info Sessions & Events to Support Your Innovation Journey
OSU offers a variety of events designed to support faculty, researchers, and students in innovation and entrepreneurship. These sessions provide access to funding opportunities, expert insights, and networking with the broader OSU and Oregon innovation ecosystem.
Innovation Day
Each term, OSU hosts Innovation Day to help faculty and student researchers learn about available resources, including funding and training opportunities that enhance research impact. The event promotes the broad adoption of research innovation by society.
A $5,000 Innovation Day Award is available each term for eligible faculty members.
The next Innovation Day is planned for late January. Specific details and registration information will be posted on the Innovation Day webpage.
Speaker Series
OSU’s Speaker Series provides startup leaders and entrepreneurs with expert guidance on key business challenges. These virtual lunchtime events feature a Q&A format, allowing participants to ask industry experts questions in real time.
Topics covered include:
- Bookkeeping and payroll
- Marketing strategies
- Supply chain management
- Capitalization tables
- Raising funds
- Team building
Future Speaker Series events will be posted on the OSU Advantage homepage. Registration details for the next event will also be available on the OSU Events Calendar.
Innovation Showcase
The Innovation Showcase is an annual event where OSU’s innovation and entrepreneurship community highlights its progress. The event features presentations from faculty, students, and startup teams, connecting them with industry leaders and investors.
Check back for details on the next Innovation Showcase and how to register.