JANUARY 2018
Looking Ahead to the New Year: An Exciting Ride

Wow! The end of January is here, and we're already off to a fast start. After some great successes achieved by Oregon BEST Companies in 2017, we have high expectations for more terrific results in 2018 (see the story below about a $1.4M win for an Oregon BEST lab). As for our team at Oregon BEST, we're deep into planning this year's Cascadia Cleantech Accelerator with the CleanTech Alliance, helping more companies access federal funding through the SBIR and STTR programs, and developing new pathways to financial capital for startups. 2018 promises to be an exciting ride, and we look forward to working with you to impact the world with new cleantech solutions.

Best wishes,

David Kenney, President & Executive Director
Oregon BEST
INNOVATIONS TAKING OFF
Oregon BEST Water Lab Helps Secure $1.4M Grant

Funding will help design better green stormwater treatment technologies

The OSU-Benton County Green Stormwater Infrastructure Research Facility (OGSIR), an Oregon BEST Lab, played a key role in securing a $1.4 million grant from the the U.S. Dept. of Defense to investigate how green stormwater technologies can be designed to improve removal of PFASs, PAHs, PCBs, and heavy metals from stormwater. Oregon BEST researchers Meghna Babbar-Sebens and Tyler Radniecki said the Oregon BEST lab facility was one of the key deciding factors in being awarded the grant. The lab, which Oregon BEST helped fund and is one of only a few of its kind in the U.S., will help researchers test a range of sorbents and plant types to optimize contaminant removal.
Portable LNG Vehicle Refueling Technology Rolls

Bend startup launches production, prepares for worldwide demand

Oregon BEST Company Onboard Dynamics (ObDI) has launched production of its GoFlo™ CNG-80 mobile natural gas compressor for commercial use. Oregon BEST supported the company in early development of the technology, which enables refueling of natural gas vehicles anywhere with access to a gas line. To meet anticipated worldwide demand, Onboard formed a strategic business relationship with Linamar Corporation, a global manufacturing company that will provide expanded capabilities as the exclusive manufacturer of the GoFlo product. Full Story
CLEANTECH KUDOS
Welcome Tricia!

Meet Oregon BEST's new Senior Program Specialist

The newest "Bestie," Tricia Clemans, serves as Oregon BEST’s Senior Program Specialist, performing the research, management, outreach, and logistical coordination that sustains our momentum in bringing high impact clean technology opportunities to the world. Previously, Tricia spent 10 years working in the critical defense infrastructure and force protection industry, both domestically and internationally. She holds a bachelor's degree in (bio)chemistry and materials science from Portland State University, with additional work in economics, business development, and environmental studies. Her research at PSU revealed the challenges between research and commercialization, which led her to Oregon BEST. We're glad she's here! More
Oregon BEST Company CEOs Named Top Executives

Leaders of EV manufacturer and smart home technology honored

The founders of two Oregon BEST Companies were named top executives of the year by the Portland Business Journal. Mark Frohnmeyer ( pictured, left) is CEO of Arcimoto, maker of a three-wheeled electric vehicle being manufactured at the startup's Eugene headquarters following a $20-million funding round. He was named one of the 10 "Executives of the Year." Sce Pike ( pictured, right) is CEO of IOTAS, developer of a smart home technology that saves energy by allowing building occupants and owners to better control lights, heat, and more. She was one of 10 "Executives to Watch." ( Frohnmeyer photo credit: Portland Business Journal) Full Story
SPOTLIGHT: IN THE NEWS
Top-50: Reviving Dead Threads
With input from Al Gore, Cameron Russell, Van Jones, and others, NICOLE BASSETT, co-founder of Oregon BEST Company The Renewal Workshop, has been named one of Grist's "50 Fixers" - innovators with fresh, forward-thinking solutions to some of humanity's biggest challenges. Prior to co-founding her Columbia Gorge startup, which repairs returned clothing articles, then resells the like-new items online to keep tons of used clothing out of landfills, Bassett worked on sustainability initiatives at companies like Patagonia and prAna. Full Story
FUNDING, EVENTS, & DEADLINES
EVENTS...

The TiE Oregon /TAO series continues with The New Global Workforce (Feb. 6) and Smart Hiring Practices (Mar. 13). Portland

Speakers, performers, and interactive experiences to celebrate entrepreneurship and innovation for positive social, environmental, and economic impact. Portland

Create new collaborative networks, identify research and education priorities, and share existing resources.Tigard

Mar. 8 | Women Entrepreneurs Panel
This networking event takes place at Oregon BEST on Int'l Women's Day in Portland, in conjunction with Women in Science. Topics include SBIR/STTR funding. Details TBA.

Mar. 21 | Klamath IDEA Talk
Leon Wolf will discuss applying for SBIR funding with help from Oregon BEST's SBIR/STTR Support Center. Klamath Falls

Attend what is known as the nation's best solar conference. Portland

Celebrating the excellence and achievement in the region's technology industry by honoring outstanding individuals and companies for accomplishments, leadership, and commitment to the industry and community.

See Oregon BEST website for more...
FUNDING | SUPPORT | VISIBILITY...

Oregon BEST helps cleantech startups and university researchers find a range of support, visibility, and FUNDING .

Application Deadline: February 12
Transformative energy projects should apply for funding from the U.S. Dept. of Energy.

Application Deadline: February 12
Highlight your innovations to industry and academic scientists in the Green Chemistry community. Portland

Application Deadline: February 23, 2018
Apply to gain exposure to investors, fundraising experience, and the chance for a substantial investment. Eugene

If your product or service is “Made in America,” your company could qualify for this matching grant funding from the Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center.

Up to $2M | Oregon Angel Fund
A group of investors contributes time, expertise, capital, and connections to help founders gain access to the right people and resources to grow their business their way.

TRANSFORM YOUR IDEA
We're Here to Help!

Resources and expertise for Oregon innovators

Oregon BEST  supports great ideas from entrepreneurs, university researchers, and startups. We create global impact, one startup at a time by working with you to transform your ideas, research, and/or products into successful enterprises. For Oregon-based companies developing proprietary, technology-based products , we offer assistance in securing early-stage funding , as well as access to  critical support channels . Talk to us!