Nurturing innovation through empowering collegiate inventors and entrepreneurs in Oregon
In the realm of innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education, Invent Oregon has the distinction of being Oregon’s only college-level prototyping program. The annual competition provides the necessary grants and guidance to transform student ideas into tangible solutions and products that address today’s most pressing challenges. At the heart of Invent Oregon lies a profound belief in the potential of students to make a difference. The program fosters a supportive environment for students to explore their innovative ideas regardless of their level of experience or expertise, and provides access to mentors, workshops, and funding opportunities.
Student teams receive up to $2,500 in development grants to take their invention from an idea to a working prototype while learning about the process of commercialization. At the Invent Oregon Collegiate Challenge finals, students present their invention and compete for $30,000 in cash prizes.
The transformative power of Invent Oregon is evident in the experiences of its participants: a remarkable 76% of students report that the program helps them see themselves as inventors.
The program was started in 2017 by the Portland State University (PSU) Center for Entrepreneurship with support from The Lemelson Foundation. The competition grew from just a handful of competing schools to a truly statewide program including public and private universities and community colleges, and a number of philanthropic and corporate sponsors.
Invent Oregon is not merely a competition; it is a catalyst for innovation, empowering students to embrace their potential as inventors and changemakers. To witness Invent Oregon’s impact, watch this inspiring video that showcases the journeys of student inventors as they transform their ideas into tangible solutions.
Learn more about Invent Oregon here:
- Invent Oregon Blog
- Student Resources
- Faculty Resources
- InventOR 5 Years Impact Evaluation Report
- Fostering a more resilient and equitable innovation economy requires the cultivation of home-grown talent: How Oregon is preparing the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs to change their communities — and the world
- This College Student Can Convert Your Gas-Guzzler Into a Zero-Carbon Ride: By creating a low-cost hydrogen conversion kit, inventor Blake Turner hopes to make owning an eco-friendly car more affordable.