Metro Region Innovation Hub

Doors open at 5:15pm. We start at 5:30pm

​About this workshop

The foundation of a successful startup is a good idea, but most founders struggle to characterize the strength of their startup idea. As a result, many founders invest their time, money and effort only to build something nobody cares about. If only founders could get a specific, actionable signal sooner.

To overcome this challenge, Nascent methodology enables founders to evaluate data from discovery interviews and quantify a startup idea in dollars ($). Ultimately, founders are able to decide within seconds whether to stop the project or continue iterating.

​This workshop is ideal for founders of startups with no customers (i.e., idea-stage startups). You'll walk through a case study of a founder who applied Nascent methodology to their startup idea. If you find the methodology compelling, then you can join our January cohort and apply it to your own startup idea.

​In this workshop, we'll use a case study to teach you to:

• ​Identify People in Pain — potential customers who are actively struggling with a problem

• ​Quantify the Pain in Dollars ($) — to assess how much value you could create by solving the problem

• ​Avoid wasting time on ideas that are unlikely to be successful

• ​Make decisions with minimal data (i.e., despite having few or no customers)

Ready to build something with AI - or help others do the same?

Join us for a relaxed, co-working style session where you'll have three hours to explore AI building with other curious creators. This isn't a structured workshop - it's a supportive space where you can experiment, tinker, and see what happens when you start playing with AI tools.

We'll have experienced AI builders in the room ready to answer questions, troubleshoot challenges, and share insights as you work. Whether you're taking your first steps or diving into a complex project, you'll have access to people who can help.

🙌 Perfect for complete beginners who want guidance getting started, experienced builders who need dedicated time to work on projects, and AI experts who want to help others learn.

💪 If you have AI building experience and want to support fellow creators, sign up as a helper when you register!

👍 Walk away with whatever you manage to build, new connections, and the confidence to keep experimenting on your own.

What to bring:

• Your laptop
• Your curiosity
• Any project idea you are working on or have been wanting to try (or just show up and see what emerges)

This event is in partnership with AI Portland and Portland AI Engineers.

This Hub programming is supported by funding from Business Oregon.

Breaking Into the Education Market: How to Sell Your Product in EdTech

Thinking about launching or scaling a product for the education sector? Whether your innovation is designed for K–12 classrooms, higher ed, district administrators, workforce training, or lifelong learners, the education market comes with unique challenges—and enormous opportunity.

This session focuses on how early-stage founders can move from idea to traction by understanding how education markets actually buy, and how to turn early wins into sustainable growth. Hear from experienced founders and industry experts who have successfully navigated the edtech landscape and lived to tell the tale.

The panel will discuss:

Key differences across K–12, higher ed, and consumer learning

How to get your product in front of educators, decision-makers, and influencers

What to expect from the sales cycle

The importance of proving outcomes.

Opportunities in adult learning, professional development, corporate upskilling, and lifelong learning

Whether you’re at the idea stage or preparing to scale, you’ll walk away with practical insights, realistic expectations, and strategies to build credibility and adoption in one of the most rewarding (and complex) markets.

Panelists include

Justin Wolske (Moderator) | Chief Product Officer, Yellowbrick

Pamela Judge| EdTech Demand Generation and RevOps leader

John Moore | Global Edtech Executive & Experienced Founder

Shannon Schrecengost | Principal Consultant, Serendipity Lane

Scott Wallace K-12 EdTech Sales Leader

Agenda

5:00-5:15p: Networking

5:15 - 6:15p: Panel & Q&A

6:15-6:45p: Founder Pitches (3 startups pitch their sales strategies and get live feedback)

6:45-7:00pp: Event Wrap & Next Steps

Cost: FREE (snacks and light refreshments provided)

ABOUT LRN|PDX

LRN|PDX is a new initiative designed to serve education-focused ventures across the Portland and Oregon entrepreneurship ecosystems. Sponsored by Airy Disc Learning and the Metro Region Innovation Hub, LRN|PDX provides programming, networking opportunity, and expertise to help entrepreneurs solve the most pressing problems across the education landscape.

Doors open at 5:15pm. We start at 5:30pm

​About this workshop

The foundation of a successful startup is a good idea, but most founders struggle to characterize the strength of their startup idea. As a result, many founders invest their time, money and effort only to build something nobody cares about. If only founders could get a specific, actionable signal sooner.

To overcome this challenge, Nascent methodology enables founders to evaluate data from discovery interviews and quantify a startup idea in dollars ($). Ultimately, founders are able to decide within seconds whether to stop the project or continue iterating.

​This workshop is ideal for founders of startups with no customers (i.e., idea-stage startups). You'll walk through a case study of a founder who applied Nascent methodology to their startup idea. If you find the methodology compelling, then you can join our January cohort and apply it to your own startup idea.

​In this workshop, we'll use a case study to teach you to:

• ​Identify People in Pain — potential customers who are actively struggling with a problem

• ​Quantify the Pain in Dollars ($) — to assess how much value you could create by solving the problem

• ​Avoid wasting time on ideas that are unlikely to be successful

• ​Make decisions with minimal data (i.e., despite having few or no customers)

Using Intellectual Property to Grow Your Business Local experts will share invaluable insights into the world of innovation and business creation. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned small business owner, a university researcher with a revolutionary discovery, or a student charting your career path, this panel is for you!

Our speakers will delve into topics critical for any startup or university researcher,, offering firsthand accounts and advice on:

Intellectual Property (IP): Learn how to protect your brilliant ideas, from patents and copyrights to trademarks, and understand their strategic importance in the marketplace.

Starting Companies: Gain practical guidance on launching and scaling a successful business, navigating the challenges and seizing opportunities.

Licensing University Research: Discover the pathways for translating academic breakthroughs into commercial products and services, fostering collaboration between academia and industry.

Entrepreneurship: Hear inspiring stories and actionable strategies from those who have built their own empires, offering a candid look at the journey of an entrepreneur.

Featuring an expert lineup:

Justin Wagner - McCoy|Russell

Anna Brown - Stark Street Materials Corporation

Mark Ronay - Ronay Labs (founder, LiquidWire)

Andrew Greenberg - APDM/Tova/PSU

Dr. Robert Strongin - Captis Biotechnologies/PSU

This is a unique opportunity to learn from the best, network with like-minded individuals, and gain the tools you need to propel your ideas forward.

About the event Startup Cafe is a great opportunity for founders and startup partners to connect, learn, and level up. Free coffee and donuts throughout the event!

Feel free to drop by for 10 minutes or stay the entire time...all are welcome!

Agenda

8:30 AM - 8:55 AM

Check-in and Refreshments

9:00 AM

Welcome

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Using Intellectual Property to Grow Your Business

Panel of Speakers:

Justin Wagner - McCoy|Russel

Anna Brown - Stark Street Materials Corporation

Mark Ronay - Ronay Labs (founder, LiquidWire)

Andrew Greenberg - APDM/Tova/PSU

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Networking and Refreshments

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Office Hours

Find Fellow Founders

Hosted by: AI Collective

Finding your crowd is hard.

​We're here to simplify that.

​Speed networking at it's finest, looking to find fellow founders who are going through the same things you are.

​THIS is community. THIS is Portland.

​​​​The AI Collective is a global non-profit community uniting 70,000+ pioneers – founders, researchers, operators, and investors – exploring the frontier of AI in major tech hubs worldwide. Through events, workshops, and community-led research, we empower the AI ecosystem to collaboratively steer AI’s future toward trust, openness, and human flourishing.

Presented in partnership with the Metro Region Innovation Hub.​​​​

All attendees and organizers at events affiliated with The AI Collective are subject to our Code of Conduct.

CALLING ALL EDUCATION ENTREPRENEURS!

Are you passionate about solving problems in education? Early-stage founders for education ventures face a lot of unique challenges, but also some unique opportunities. We're building a new event series for you called LRN|PDX!

Whether you want to build a for-profit, non-profit, or public-private venture, LRN|PDX is a monthly event series for entrepreneurs across the learning section, from K-to-Grey. We'll be delivering essential, from-the-trenches programming that ed founders need to hit those first milestones.

Join us for our first event:

Problem-Hunting for Ed Founders: Finding Problem-Solution Fit for Your Education Venture

Speakers: Justin Wolske (Chief Product Officer, Yellowbrick; Asad Butt (Director, Metro Region Innovation Hub); Other speakers TBD

Agenda

9a-10a: Founder Networking

10a-11a: Presentations

11a-12p: Founder Breakout Groups

Cost: FREE (light refreshments provided)

ABOUT LRN|PDX

LRN|PDX is a new initiative designed to serve education-focused ventures across the Portland and Oregon entrepreneurship ecosystems. Sponsored by Airy Disc Learning and the Metro Region Innovation Hub, LRN|PDX provides programming, networking opportunity, and expertise to help entrepreneurs solve the most pressing problems across the education landscape. If your organization is interested in joining LRN|PDX, please reach out to Justin or Asad.

Startup Cafe is a great opportunity for founders and startup partners to connect, learn, and level up. Free coffee and donuts throughout the event!

Feel free to drop by for 10 minutes or stay the entire time...all are welcome!

Agenda

9:00a - 12:00p - Main Event Space

General networking, coffee, and donuts. Open to All Founders

Are you an entrepreneur, community leader, or simply curious about fostering innovation in the Portland metro region? Join us for an engaging Information Session to learn about the Metro Region Innovation Hub!

📅 Date: September 24, 2025

⏰ Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm

📍 Location: Metro Region Innovation Hub

What You’ll Learn:

The vision and mission behind the Metro Region Innovation Hub.

Insights from research that shaped the Hub’s design, including the key challenges entrepreneurs face.

An overview of the Hub’s programs, including the Navigator Program, Skills Development, and Mentorship opportunities.

How the Hub fosters equity, inclusion, and collaboration across Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties.

Ways to get involved and benefit from the Hub’s resources.

Who Should Attend:

Entrepreneurs in the Portland Metro area at any stage of their journey.

Community members passionate about supporting innovation and economic growth.

Representatives from business service providers, investors, and academic institutions.

Anyone interested in learning how the Hub plans to make the Portland metro region a leader in inclusive innovation.

Why Attend: This session is your chance to connect with the the Hub, ask questions, and explore how this initiative can support your goals or community efforts.

🎟️ Registration: Attendance is free, but registration is required!

Let’s build a thriving, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem together. See you there!

Stay tuned here and our newsletter for more information on this event. In the meantime, you can review the information below or at cdmp.info/about and dama.org for more information on the exam format.

Data PDX will be hosting a “pay-if-you-pass” event for the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) exam. At this in-person event, you may attempt to pass the CDMP. If you don’t pass, you pay nothing. This is a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to obtain a valuable certificate in the data management / governance field.

RSVP required, check DataPDX.org for link to register soon: https://datapdx.org/2025/03/13/upcomingpay-if-you-pass-certified-data-management-professional-cdmp-event/

Generate Revenue Faster Unlock your first or next revenue stream through strategic partnerships

Join the Metro Region Innovation Hub and Go‑To‑Market startup strategist Lesley Carstens for a hands‑on workshop that shows you how to find and create partnerships to unlock your first — or an additional — revenue stream. Tech startups will learn how to find the right partners, engage them, and penetrate your target market and ecosystem faster.

Great partnerships can give you: - Instant credibility - Scaled impact - More opportunities - One great partnership can be worth 1,000 cold calls

Workshop agenda: 9:30 - 10:30am - Presentation/Overview & Q&A 10:45-12:00pm - Optional Workshop Lesley will randomly pick 1-2 startups in the room to do live outreach to prospective partners. Attendees will come away with a map for how to do partner outreach.

Bio: Lesley Carstens is a Go-To-Market Strategist with 20+ years of experience driving growth through high-value strategic alliances for both Fortune 500 companies and startups. She’s advised business luminaries like Keith Ferrazzi and Jay Abraham, and believes your next big opportunity is already in someone else’s network — you just need to unlock it. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesleycarstens/

Startup Cafe is a great opportunity for founders and startup partners to connect, learn, and level up. Free coffee and donuts throughout the event! Feel free to drop by for 10 minutes or stay the entire time...all are welcome!

Agenda 9:00a - 12:00p - Main Event Space General networking, coffee, and donuts

9:30a - 10:30a - Presentation: Generate Revenue Faster with Lesley Carstens Unlock your first or next revenue stream through strategic partnerships.

10:30a - 12:00p - Workshop: Generate Revenue Faster with Lesley Carstens Lesley will randomly pick 1-2 startups in the room to do live outreach to prospective partners

​Quantifying and Refining a Startup Idea A good idea is the foundation of a successful startup, yet most founders struggle to characterize and enhance the strength of their idea — especially for startups without customers. In this 2-hour hands-on workshop, participants will walk through a case study applying “Nascent Methodology,” a novel, unique approach to identify the earliest signals of opportunity for startups without customers. Through guided exercises, participants will search for People in Pain (an initial indication of potential customers) and will quantify the Pain in dollars ($). By the end of the workshop, founders will be able to evaluate a startup idea in seconds. Participants will come away with a framework for evaluating and iteratively improving their own startup ideas.

Additionally, participants in the workshop will be eligible to join a cohort of founders who will receive regular support as they apply this methodology in August and September.

Quantifying and Refining a Startup Idea A good idea is the foundation of a successful startup, yet most founders struggle to characterize and enhance the strength of their idea — especially for startups without customers. In this 2-hour hands-on workshop, participants will walk through a case study applying “Nascent Methodology,” a novel, unique approach to identify the earliest signals of opportunity for startups without customers. Through guided exercises, participants will search for People in Pain (an initial indication of potential customers) and will quantify the Pain in dollars ($). By the end of the workshop, founders will be able to evaluate a startup idea in seconds. Participants will come away with a framework for evaluating and iteratively improving their own startup ideas.

Additionally, participants in the workshop will be eligible to join a cohort of founders who will receive regular support as they apply this methodology in August and September.

Are you a founder interested in learning how to launch an AI company? Sign up for the 3-day Oregon AI Startup Bootcamp a hands-on program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn their AI ideas into real-world ventures.

Hosted in Oregon’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem through a partnership between Metro Region Innovation Hub, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, Propel PSU, Technology Association of Oregon, and TiE Oregon, this bootcamp provides foundational knowledge in business formation as well as go to market and fund raising strategies. Participants will gain access to expert-led workshops and practical sessions that will cover everything from company formation and identifying market opportunities to marketing, generating sales, and how to scale.

With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, the program is structured to demystify AI and empower a diverse new generation of founders. By the end of the course, participants will walk away with a solid business concept, an action plan, and the confidence to launch their AI-driven startup.

Startup Cafe... is a space for workshops, networking, and conversation! This is the great opportunity for founders and startup partners to connect, learn, and level up. Free coffee and donuts throughout the event!

Feel free to drop by for 10 minutes or stay the entire time...all are welcome! The breakout workshops are optional, and we have a large main space for open conversations.

Agenda

9:00a - 12:00p - Main Event Space
General networking, coffee, and donuts.

9:30a - 10:30a - Workshop 1
TBD

11:00a - 12:00p - Workshop 2
TBD

Join us for a fireside chat with Lindsay Richman, founder of InnerverseAI and 2024 Top Woman in AI nominee, as she shares her journey from Best Buy and McKinsey to building tech that unlocks human potential. Don’t miss this conversation on product, purpose, and the future of responsible AI.

PDX Founders!

Level up your startup game at our Bootstrapping Workshop for early-stage founders in PDX — no funding, no problem!

Join Amina Moreau from Radious for hands-on tips, real talk, and good vibes only.

Friday, May 30 @ the Hub

Startup Cafe... is a space for workshops, networking, and conversation! This is the great opportunity for founders and startup partners to connect, learn, and level up. Free coffee and donuts throughout the event!

Feel free to drop by for 10 minutes or stay the entire time...all are welcome! The breakout workshops are optional, and we have a large main space for open conversations.

Agenda

9:00a - 12:00p - Main Event Space
General networking, coffee, and donuts.

9:30a - 10:30a - Workshop 1
TBD

11:00a - 12:00p - Workshop 2
TBD

To support Startup Week and AI: Portland's Zero-to-One Build Challenge, this Startup Cafe will focus on building AI Automations and Vibe Coding. Come join our free workshops, whether you plan to participate in the hackathon.

Agenda

9:00a - 12:00p - Main Event Space
General networking, coffee, and donuts.

9:30a - 10:30p - Hackathon Kickoff & Form Teams Form teams for AI Zero-to-One Build Challenge

10:30a - 11:30a - Workshop 1
From Ugh to Ahh: Automate Your Most Annoying Tasks with AI - Addie Olson / Cascadia Solutions

11:45a - 12:45p - Workshop 2
Vibe Coding: Build an MVP using Low-Code AI App Builders - Brandon Upchurch / AI Architect @ MeBot.ai

Venture capital investment in the Portland metro area surged to $172 million across 25 deals in Q1 of 2025—nearly triple the amount from the same period last year—according to PitchBook and the NVCA. But despite the strong start, recent macroeconomic uncertainty has tempered expectations for the rest of the year.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Erika Lucas, founder of StitchCrew and VEST, as she shares her perspective on the evolving investment landscape and what it means for Portland-based founders. Drawing from her extensive experience in private equity, economic development, and startup advocacy, Erika will highlight key trends shaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem—and where she sees the biggest opportunities for growth and funding.

Whether you're actively fundraising or seeking to understand the investor mindset, this session is a must-attend for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the current funding landscape.

This event is part of PDX Startup Week.

Agenda: 12:00pm: General Networking 12:30pm: Presentation and Q&A 1:30pm: Lunch and Networking

About Erika: Erika Lucas is the Founder of StitchCrew, an organization dedicated to building a more equitable economy by supporting, funding, and advocating for small business owners. She is also the Founder of VEST, a peer network of women professionals and investment fund investing in women-led companies.

A recognized thought leader, Erika is a sought-after speaker and a LinkedIn Top Voice in Entrepreneurship. She currently serves on the boards of Arvest Bank, Diversion Hub, and the Oklahoma City-County Health Department, where she holds the position of Board Chair. Erika is also a member of the Latino Corporate Directors Association and a Fellow at the Just Economy Institute.

Before founding StitchCrew and VEST, Erika was a Partner at a private equity firm specializing in Aerospace & Defense investments. Earlier in her career, she served as Global Director at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, where she led international economic development efforts.

UpStart Collective is opening its westside space to founders of the Portland metro community. Are you working on product-led company? Are you struggling to find your community?

Come spend the day with us!

RSVP req'd: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwUwicf9qQr4LyT9uPkhivlypxe3DgUh_vhqa97Pu1Ni50FA/viewform?usp=sharing

Startup Cafe... is a space for workshops, networking, and conversation! This is the great opportunity for founders and startup partners to connect, learn, and level up. Free coffee and donuts throughout the event!

Feel free to drop by for 10 minutes or stay the entire time...all are welcome! The breakout workshops are optional, and we have a large main space for open conversations.

Agenda

9:00a - 12:00p - Main Event Space
General networking, coffee, and donuts.

9:30a - 10:30a - Workshop 1
"Fundraising 101: Building Your 6-Month Investor Pipeline"
Led by Yalda Moshiri, Angel Oregon Program Director at OEN

11:00a - 12:00p - Workshop 2
"Translate Complex Ideas Into an Impactful Marketing Message"
Led by Yoanne Clovis

Join us at the Metro Region Innovation Hub for a time of workshops, networking, mentorship, and coffee! This event is the perfect opportunity for founders and startup partners to connect, learn, and share ideas.

Whether you're just starting out, or a seasoned founder, you'll walk away with some fresh ideas and valuable connections.

Agenda 9:00a - 12:00p - Main Event Space

General networking, coffee, and donuts.

9:30a - 10:30a - Workshop 1 Why Founder-Led Sales is Critical...and How to Do It

Led by Alex Boyd - Founder of Aware

11:00a - 12:00p - Workshop 2 Leading from the Front: How to Evolve from Engineer to the Leader Your Team Needs

Led by Keizan Shaffer - Engineering Leader, Advisor, Coach; Founder of Bright Mountain Integrated Leadership

More information and to register click here.

The Metro Region Innovation Hub, JPMorgan, Portland State University, and the UpStart Collective invite you for an open day of co-working at their new collaborative location at 2130 SW 5th Ave in downtown Portland.

Beginning at 9am you will be able to spend the day working closely with your peers, hearing more about the mission of the Metro Region Innovation Hub, and learn more about the UpStart Collective and its new location in the building.

::::::No Client Based Service Providers, PLEASE!::::::::

Registration is required and space is limited.

Please take a moment to RSVP here.

If you have any questions, please email Josh Carter at [email protected]

Event Details: ​What is the PNW Battery Collaborative?: A community of battery entrepreneurs, scientists, and enthusiasts united to make the PNW the nation's leading hub of battery innovation.

​​What is this event?: Join us for an evening mixer with fellow battery innovators to exchange ideas, spark new partnerships, and explore opportunities to launch the next big breakthrough in battery technology. The main focus of the event will be a round of lightning talks by local battery innovators (~5 mins each), audience Q&A, and an opportunity for attendees to share announcements and learn about battery jobs/resource opportunities. This event is preceded by multiple meetups and site visits organized by the PNW Battery Collaborative in Seattle and attended by an aggregated total of nearly 200 participants.

​Why now?: The PNW is quickly becoming a key hub for battery innovation in the US. To maintain our region's competitive advantage and effectively support other regions in deploying batteries it is crucial that our local battery community be cohesive and inclusive.

​Who can join?: Any PNW locals working in or interested in supporting the region's battery industry.

​​Run of Show: - 5:30pm-6:00: check-in - ​6:00-6:15: introductions, agenda overview, & battery comms exercise - 6:15-6:35: lightening talks by speakers (listed below) - 6:35-6:50: speaker panel & audience Q&A - 6:50-7:00: audience announcements, resources, & job opportunities - 7:00-7:30: informal networking

​Lightening Talk Speakers:

• Grayson Shor, Founder (PNW Battery Collaborative)

• Duncan Miller, CEO (Rose City Robotics)

• Drew Lebowitz, Principal and Managing Director (PowerSwitch)

• Danny Lu, Senior Vice President (Powin Energy)

• Tyson Bittrich, Market Research Analyst (Mayfield Renewables)

• Shelly Whitlock, Executive Director of Development (Polaris Battery Labs)

​If you would like to speak at this event please reach out to event co-hosts Grayson Shor and Duncan Miller

​​Logistics: ​This event is hosted at the Metro Region Innovation Hub (google link)

​Please arrive between 5:30pm-6:00pm to sign-in. Programming will begin promptly at 6:00pm

​This event is free, please RSVP in advance

​This is an in-person only event

​​Have questions?: Reach out to event co-hosts Grayson Shor & Duncan Miller

​How to stay up to date on Collaborative activities?: Join our events calendar and our LinkedIn page

​========================================

​​Thank you to our generous sponsors: ​Metro Region Innovation Hub: is the hub for business innovation in the Portland metro region.

​Prosper Portland Green Cities: supporting companies producing innovative products, services, and technologies that address the climate crisis and solve environmental challenges.

UpStart Collective: a community-driven collaboration space for founders.

​Portland State University Business Accelerator: supports and serves the entrepreneur ecosystem and local startups from their early stage through growth.

​========================================

​​The views and opinions expressed by speakers during this event are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or perspectives of the organizers, sponsors, or affiliated organizations. The event is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Attendees are encouraged to independently evaluate the information shared and seek additional professional advice where applicable.

Location Metro Region Innovation Hub 2130 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97201, USA

The UpStart Collective is hosting its first First Friday at the new westside location within the Metro Region Innovation Hub. Come hang out, talk to local founders, and raise a glass to making it through another month.

These events are open to all founders, but please, NO SELLING!!

Drinks and small snacks will be provided.

Join us at the Metro Region Innovation Hub for a time of workshops, networking, mentorship, and coffee! This event is the perfect opportunity for founders and startup partners to connect, learn, and level up.

Whether you're just starting out, or a seasoned founder, you'll walk away with some fresh ideas and valuable connections.

Agenda

9:00a - 12:00p - Main Event Space General networking, coffee, and donuts.

9:30a - 10:30a - Workshop 1 Crafting the Ideal Email Marketing Onboarding Sequence - Led by Megan Eckman - Creative Consultant @ Fat Cap Design

11:00a - 12:00p - Workshop 2 Brag Better! An Interactive Workshop to Help You Tell Your Story - Led by Nadya Duke Boone - Executive Coach, Writer, Former Chief Product Officer and Founder @ BragLunch.com

Event Details: ​​​Lightning Talk Speakers:

• ​​Rober Topple, Founder & CEO Electron Robotics
• Joseph Cole, Founder & CTO Rose City Robotics
• Spencer Lindsay, Founder E-tribe
• Erin Galiger, Director North American Markets at ROCSYS

​​What is the Rose City Robotics Collaborative?: A collaborative community of robotics entrepreneurs, scientists, machine learning experts, tinkerers, and fellow enthusiasts united to establish the PNW as the premier U.S. hub for robotics innovation.

​​Why join Collaborative meetings?: To meet with fellow robotics innovators to exchange ideas, spark new partnerships, and explore opportunities to launch the next big breakthroughs in robotics technology.

​​Who can join?: Any PNW locals actively involved in developing, deploying, or advancing robotics technology across various sectors.

​​How to stay up to date on Collaborative activities?: Join our newsletter and our LinkedIn page.

​​Thank you to our generous sponsors: ​Metro Region Innovation Hub: The hub for business innovation in the Portland metro region.

UpStart Collective: a community-driven collaboration space for founders.

​Portland State University Business Accelerator: supports and serves the entrepreneur ecosystem and local startups from their early stage through growth.

Location Metro Region Innovation Hub 2130 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97201, USA

Join us at the Metro Region Innovation Hub for a time of workshops, networking, mentorship, and coffee! This event is the perfect opportunity for founders and startup partners to connect, learn, and level up.

Whether you're just starting out, or a seasoned founder, you'll walk away with some fresh ideas and valuable connections.

Agenda

• 9a - 12p - Main Event Space / General networking, coworking, mentor office hours
• 9:30a - 10:30a - Workshop 1 / TBD
• 11a - 12p - Workshop 2 / TBD

Join us at the Metro Region Innovation Hub for a time of workshops, networking, mentorship, and coffee! This event is the perfect opportunity for founders and startup partners to connect, learn, and level up.

Whether you're just starting out, or a seasoned founder, you'll walk away with some fresh ideas and valuable connections.

Agenda

• 9a - 12p - Main Event Space / General networking, coworking, mentor office hours
• 9:30a - 10:30a - Workshop 1 / Supercharge your Business Plan with AI
• 11a - 12p - Workshop 2 / Demystifying Pitch Decks (hands-on workshop)

FEBRUARY Demolicious will be at the NEW westside UpStart Collective location!

::::::: Please use the form below to apply to pitch for 2025!:::::::::

Demolicious is back! This monthly pitch event brings together founders and the community to learn about what is being built here and around Portland.

How this all works: If you are a founder, you will apply to pitch here. Don't worry. "Apply" simply means you want to pitch, but there's no real competitive process to be accepted. We just want to see what you're working on before we put you in front of a room full of people.

You will be given 3 minutes to pitch at the event.

The audience will be given a number to text and vote for their favorite one. The one with the most votes will go home with the Demolicious Championship belt.

The belt is not for you to keep as you will have to come back and "defend" it. However, you will be allowed to put your startup sticker (if applicable) on the belt for all to see and to live on forever in infamy!

We will post the projects/companies that will be pitching a week prior to the event. Which means you have until then to fill out the form.

Teams Pitching: TBD

Will you be the next founder to pitch!?!

The Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN), and partner Xcelerate Women, invite you to a dynamic gathering on Thursday, January 30th starting at 8:00 am where entrepreneur support and community organizations from the Portland Metro area will pitch their services, programs, accelerators and engagement opportunities directly to entrepreneurs, startup founders and business owners in 2 minutes with just a microphone!

Unlike traditional startup pitch events where founders give the pitch, we are flipping the script and bringing together organizations to pitch the services they offer that help entrepreneurs succeed.

Entrepreneurs will walk away from the event not only with new knowledge of regional resources but with valuable connections and actionable steps to help accelerate their business journey, from securing funding to enhancing their leadership skills to accessing support in other critical areas of business growth.

Join us for a morning interacting with the leaders and organizations that can help you figure out how to make your startup idea a reality!

Details

Location: Metro Region Innovation Hub, 2130 SW 5th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201

Time: 8:00 – 10:30am

Agenda 8:00 am – Doors Open 8:30 am – Reverse Pitch Begins 9:30 am – Resource Fair & Networking 10:30 am – Event Ends

Cost: Free!

Please only register for this event if you are an Oregon or SW Washington founder or entrepreneur at an early, development or growth stage startup.

JANUARY Demolicious will be at the NEW westside UpStart Collective location!

::::::: Please use the form below to apply to pitch for 2025!:::::::::

Demolicious is back! This monthly pitch event brings together founders and the community to learn about what is being built here and around Portland.

How this all works: If you are a founder, you will apply to pitch here (https://forms.gle/sx81RaT6Nuqj9sWR7). Don't worry. "Apply" simply means you want to pitch, but there's no real competitive process to be accepted. We just want to see what you're working on before we put you in front of a room full of people.

You will be given 3 minutes to pitch at the event.

The audience will be given a number to text and vote for their favorite one. The one with the most votes will go home with the Demolicious Championship belt.

The belt is not for you to keep as you will have to come back and "defend" it. However, you will be allowed to put your startup sticker (if applicable) on the belt for all to see and to live on forever in infamy!

We will post the projects/companies that will be pitching a week prior to the event. Which means you have until then to fill out the form.

Teams Pitching: TBD

Will you be the next founder to pitch!?!