Innovation and Entrepreneurship
OCTRI strives to cultivate innovation in research. Whether you have a burgeoning idea or a proof of concept that is ready for design, OCTRI has education opportunities to meet your needs. Download a flyer that summarizes our programming or read more below.
Annual programming
OCTRI offers several innovation and entrepreneurship programs on an annual basis. Review these options below and check back regularly for updates on upcoming opportunities.
This 6-week I-Corps short course provides biomedical scientists, clinician scientists, and engineers with a new approach to accelerate the translation of discoveries from lab to clinical practice. Based on the National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps (I-CorpsTM) program, the premiere federally-funded innovation and commercialization training in the U.S., BIP Corp is an evidence-based experience that will take you out of your comfort zone to connect with potential customers and provide you with a competitive business case for future funding, partnership and translational science opportunities.
BIP Corp fact sheet and course details
2024 course schedule
Sept 27 - Nov 1 (Virtual)
Weekly, Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Contact Melissa Mudd for more information: muddm@ohsu.edu.
Enrollment is currently closed.
This course is offered in partnership between OCTRI, OHSU offices of Collaborations and Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer, and the I-Corps@NCATS consortium led by University of Alabama at Birmingham (UL1TR003096).
The OHSU Student Innovator Challenge is a student pitch competition, intended for student-led concepts or technologies. Students will come away with the skills and resources to:
- Develop an effective pitch for a broad audience
- Understand the basics of bringing a concept from idea to market
- Gain practical experience developing an idea into a tangible outcome
- Connect with expert innovators and mentors from across the region
Winners of the Innovate Challenge receive a $2,500 prototyping grant and advance to compete for up to $30,000 in cash awards in the InventOR Finals.
Contact Melissa Mudd with questions.
2021 InventOR - OHSU statewide finalists
Ashraf Samhan (left) and Stephanie MacDonald (right) are medical students in OHSU's Surgical Telehealth Analytics and Research (STAR) Lab led by Dr. Vahagn Nikolian. They won the 2021 Student Innovator Challenge and competed in the InventOR finals on June 25, 2021. Their project is an augmented reality technology designed to enhance medical student training on surgical rotations, with the goal of overcoming disparities in surgical training.
2020 InventOR - OHSU statewide finalists
Avathamsa Athirasala (left), a PhD candidate in OHSU Biomedical Engineering, competed in the 2020 InventOR finals for Microcosm, a high throughput screening platform for cell response to microenvironmental conditions.
Daniel Mullee (right), an MD candidate, competed in the 2020 InventOR finals for IntraMon, an intraluminal wireless monitoring device. IntraMon won the Visionary Award for "bold, ambitious thinking that makes a difference in the world."
2019 InventOR - OHSU statewide finalists
Geoffrey Schau and Erik Burlingame, PhD candidates in OHSU Biomedical Engineering, competed in the 2019 InventOR finals for Shift.AI, an artificial intelligence-powered technology for detecting cancer. Shift.AI won the $2,500 Impact Award.
Ryan Thrower, DMD candidate in OHSU School of Dentistry, competed in the 2019 InventOR finals for Funject, a kid-friendly injection device.
Ongoing & Quarterly programming
OCTRI offers innovation and entrepreneurship programming throughout the year. Review our year-round programming options below.
The OHSU Innovates Seminar Series goes beyond traditional innovation discussions, exploring how diversity in thought, background, and experience leads to more robust and creative solutions. Join us as we delve into inspiring stories, share valuable insights, and engage in thought-provoking conversations that not only drive innovation but also ensure that the benefits are accessible to all.
Through interactive sessions, expert panels, and collaborative workshops, we aim to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds, break down barriers, and catalyze a more equitable and innovative future. Whether you're an academic scientist, clinician, professional, student, or simply passionate about driving positive change, this series offers a platform to learn, connect, and contribute to a more inclusive and innovative world.
Open to the OHSU and greater entrepreneurial community.
Upcoming OHSU Innovates Seminars
Click on images to view past recordings.
Equity and Inclusivity in Patents
Presenters: Stephen Sullivan, Carmem Pfeiffer, Ruchi Thanawala
April 17, 2024
Placing Regulatory Strategy at the Core of MedTech Innovation
Presenter: Timothy Bubb
February 7, 2024
Securing Non-Dilutive Funding for Innovative Businesses
Presenter: Nyah Zarate, Ph.D.
January 24, 2024
Navigating FDA Interactions for Early-Stage Biotechs: A Guide to Successful Regulatory Engagements
Presenters: Zeb Younes and Dan Cafaro
December 6, 2023
Demystifying the Regulatory Landscape: A Roadmap for Healthcare Technologies
Presenter: Brie Stoianoff
October 28, 2021
Invent and SoPE Alternative Funding Panel
March 18, 2020
Leveraging Market Research and Customer Outreach to Successfully Launch your Idea
June 25, 2020
Market Research Deep Dive
In Partnership with OTRADI/OBI
November 10, 2020
The Drug and Device Advisory Committee (DDAC) provides a no-cost consultation and advice to investigatory teams, focusing on tasks needed to efficiently move a new drug or device towards commercialization. The DDAC advisory panel is comprised of individuals with diverse experience and expertise in life science technology development and entrepreneurship. They can advise in the areas of FDA regulatory affairs, IP development and protection, clinical protocol, engineering, and marketing.
Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 2-3:30 pm.
Teams interested in receiving feedback on project development should email Claudia Nakama, OCTRI Innovation Alliance Manager at nakama@ohsu.edu
Need assistance with market research for your technology or idea? Schedule an appointment with OHSU's Market Research Lab by emailing Claudia Nakama (nakama@ohsu.edu).
We are excited to announce an upcoming pilot trial of Cedience, an AI-powered regulatory intelligence platform, available to faculty inventors and entrepreneurs at OHSU. Cedience harnesses data from 44 global regulatory databases, including over 8 million regulatory pages, to provide quick, evidence-backed answers to detailed regulatory questions making it a valuable resource for those looking to streamline their regulatory pathways. Contact Claudia Nakama (nakama@ohsu.edu) to see if your innovative project could benefit from this trial.
We are excited to announce a custom-designed, two-week virtual Med Device/IVD regulatory workshop, co-hosted by IMed, scheduled tentatively for early November. This workshop, more than just a webinar, offers two half-day sessions where participants can dive deep into critical regulatory topics through presentations and interactive breakout groups. Teams will have the unique opportunity to ask specific questions and receive tailored regulatory advice for their projects, ensuring they leave with a solid foundation for their early regulatory concerns. We are currently seeking interested investors and start-ups to participate. For more information or to express interest, please contact Claudia Nakama at nakama@ohsu.edu.
Commercialization resources
OCTRI's innovation and entrepreneurship team gathers and vets commercialization resources. We store those that pass our vetting process here.
The federal government provides early-stage capital for startups through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) grant programs.
"All about the SBIR Grant Process: An insider's Perspective", a comprehensive look into the SBIR/STTR programs by Dr. Jim O'Halloran, expert SBIR veteran and study section reviewer.
NSF Webinar: Start Your Project Pitch. Peter Atherton, an SBIR/STTR Program Director, discusses the first step: the Project Pitch.
OHSU's Entrepreneur-In-Residence program supports clinicians and researchers as they develop innovations for commercialization. Learn more about the EIR program.
Listen to Steve Runnels, one of OHSU's EIRs, discuss his role in an interview by EIR Podcast.
ScienceDocs provides writing support services for research and startup funding, publication, and technical communications. Review additional ScienceDocs resources here.
Questions? Reach out!
Melissa Mudd, MPH
Innovation Education Manager
muddm@ohsu.edu
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OCTRI Innovation Programs & Awards Report
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Biomedical Innovation Program
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