Portland State University
By Seamus Kennedy

The city of Portland is a hub of commerce for much of the state. In the heart of the city, Portland State University (PSU) is a catalyst for entrepreneurial activity through technology creation, mentoring, and commercialization for start-ups and other commercial ventures—not just from the university, but also from the local technology community.

PSU prioritizes creating jobs and leveraging the area’s strengths to be competitive in the global marketplace. PSU achieves these results through its Office of Innovation and Industry Alliances, its Portland State Business Accelerator, and through many programs within the School of Business.

Collaboration opportunities range from research to business mentoring

PSU has research strengths across the academy, but those of most interest to the bioscience industry are in chemistry, biology, and physics. Research teams in these departments are studying everything from possible new drug candidates, dye to fluoresce certain conditions, and nanoscale drug delivery mechanisms. Researchers are keen to work with companies to accelerate ideas.

PSU has reason to tout its Lab2Market initiative (L2M), run through the School of Business, which offers training and mentoring for budding entrepreneurs. Through this National Science Foundation-funded program, PSU provides technologists with tools to develop a business plan, build a team, and connect with business mentors.

Practical applications of this initiative include an array of learning, from elevator pitches, to business models, to forging partnerships and alliances. This preparation sets entrepreneurs up to seek funding or work with established companies to take the next step.

Business Accelerator provides resources and community for start-ups

The Portland State Business Accelerator (PSBA) is a 40,000 square foot facility located on SW Corbett Avenue, less than a mile south of campus. This building incubates startups, offering office and lab space. It is home to a number of biotech companies, as well as the Oregon Bioscience Association office. Over 20 resident and affiliated companies take advantage of PSBA services. Entrepreneurs appreciate the sense of community and support and the connection to resources the program provides.

Joseph Janda, an innovation associate in PSU’s Office of Innovation and Industry Alliances, noted: “Our office and the PSBA endeavor to increase connections and collaboration between the university and local startups. One of our goals is to help create an innovation ecosystem—an entrepreneurial community—that in turn contributes to the economy."

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