List Of Major Startups Events In Oregon

Oregon's startup landscape is growing, with events across the state helping entrepreneurs connect with investors and like-minded individuals. These gatherings provide valuable opportunities for networking, learning, and showcasing innovative ideas in various industries. Attending startup events in Oregon can help business owners access resources, find potential partners, and stay updated on the latest industry trends and technologies.

The state hosts several major startup conferences and meetups throughout the year, ranging from large multi-day conferences to smaller specialized networking events. These Oregon startup conferences attract participants from various sectors including technology, food and beverage, healthcare, and sustainability. Local innovation hubs and business organizations also coordinate pitch competitions and exhibitions where entrepreneurs can present their ideas to potential investors and customers.

1) Oregon Startup Conference 2025

The Oregon Startup Conference 2025 will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025, at George Fox University in Newberg. This one-day event runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from across the state.

The theme for 2025 is "Where Innovation Meets Community," highlighting the conference's focus on building connections within Oregon's startup ecosystem. Launch Mid-Valley and SEDCOR are hosting the event, which aims to support early-stage businesses.

Attendees can expect a packed schedule featuring expert speakers, practical workshops, and networking opportunities. The conference will also include a resource fair connecting startup founders with service providers to help new ventures access critical support.

For entrepreneurs seeking investment, the conference provides valuable face time with Oregon's top investors. Founders will have chances to pitch their ideas and receive feedback from experienced business leaders.

Registration is open now, with tickets available through the conference website. Early registration is recommended as this event typically sells out.

2) TechfestNW Portland

TechfestNW is an annual event in Portland that connects technology and business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. The gathering serves as a vital hub for the Oregon tech ecosystem.

Founded as a sister event to MusicfestNW, this tech conference has grown into one of the region's premier startup events. It typically takes place in spring or early summer each year.

Attendees can expect showcases of cutting-edge tech innovations, workshops, and panel discussions. The event also features a startup pitch competition for entrepreneurs where participants can present their ideas to potential investors.

Networking opportunities are abundant, allowing startups to connect with influential investors and mentors. These connections can prove invaluable for new businesses seeking guidance or funding.

TechfestNW partners with the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network for virtual gatherings and community building. The 2025 edition promises to bring together visionaries, venture capitalists, and aspiring startup founders.

For tech businesses in Oregon, this event provides exposure to the latest industry trends and access to potential partners or clients. Registration typically opens several months before the event date.

3) Oregon Innovation Showcase

The Oregon Innovation Showcase is a premier event focused on connecting deep tech startups with investors. It takes place annually in Oregon, highlighting the state as a hub for innovation and startup growth.

This two-day event features successful Oregon-grown companies and emerging startups seeking funding. The showcase specifically targets scalable, innovation-driven companies with high growth potential.

Startups can participate in pitch opportunities to present their innovations to potential investors. The event includes an Ecosystem Partner Showcase and Emerging Startup Highlights section where new companies can gain visibility.

One valuable feature is the Quick Connect investor meetings where entrepreneurs can network directly with potential funders. This format creates efficient opportunities for meaningful connections.

The supportive state ecosystem that de-risks investments is also highlighted during the event. This makes it particularly attractive for out-of-state investors looking to explore Oregon's startup landscape.

Event management is coordinated through multiple organizations including Business Oregon, Oregon Bioscience Association, and Greater Portland Inc. The collaborative approach ensures diverse industry representation.

4) Pop Up & Pitch by Oregon Entrepreneurs Network

The Pop Up & Pitch marketplace events showcase Oregon's newest food and beverage startups. Run by Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN), these events give local food and drink innovators a platform to display their products and pitch their businesses.

For 2023, OEN expanded the program to include three different Friday afternoon marketplaces across Oregon. The locations included Hood River on May 9th, Portland on September 26th, and Salem on November 21st.

In 2024, OEN continued the tradition with the Portland event held at Tillamook Outpost on May 31st from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This event was co-hosted with Burgerville, creating additional exposure for participating startups.

The Oregon Angel Food program behind these events focuses on connecting food and beverage entrepreneurs with potential investors, customers, and retail partners. For startups, these gatherings offer valuable networking opportunities.

Businesses looking to participate should monitor OEN's website for application details. These marketplaces typically feature carefully selected vendors representing diverse food and beverage categories from around the state.

5) Oregon Innovation Challenge

The Oregon Innovation Challenge welcomes students from the University of Oregon regardless of their major or class standing. This competition is perfect for students with business ideas at any stage of development.

Teams must include at least one University of Oregon student in a major role. The challenge provides valuable support for emerging entrepreneurs looking to turn their ideas into reality.

Participants can access mentorship through office hours with experienced entrepreneurs who provide guidance on business development. This resource helps teams refine their concepts before presentation.

The competition offers funding opportunities for promising ventures. Winners receive financial support to help launch or grow their business ideas.

The Oregon Innovation Showcase highlights deep tech companies and connects entrepreneurs with potential investors. This event strengthens Oregon's reputation as an innovation hub.

The Challenge operates under the University of Oregon Lundquist Center for Entrepreneurship. Their calendar features regular events that support the development of student entrepreneurs throughout the year.

6) Launch Oregon Events

Launch Oregon hosts several events throughout the year aimed at supporting the state's startup ecosystem. Their calendar includes both regular meetups and special conferences designed to help entrepreneurs connect and grow their businesses.

One of their most notable offerings is the Oregon Innovation Challenge, which gives startups a platform to showcase their ideas and compete for resources. This competition attracts investors and business leaders from across the Pacific Northwest.

The organization also partners with the Oregon Entrepreneur Network to present workshops and networking events. These gatherings provide valuable opportunities for new founders to meet experienced business owners and potential investors.

For those interested in academic innovation, Launch Oregon supports the Knight Campus Speaker Series. These talks feature experts discussing cutting-edge research and development.

Events typically take place in Portland, Eugene, and other major Oregon cities. Many startup community events offer both in-person and virtual attendance options, making them accessible to entrepreneurs throughout the state.

Registration for most Launch Oregon events opens 4-6 weeks before the scheduled date. Some special events have limited capacity, so early registration is recommended.

7) Mid-Valley Innovation Hub Meetups

Launch Mid-Valley hosts regular meetups for entrepreneurs and startups across Oregon's Mid-Willamette Valley. These gatherings happen throughout Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties and focus on building connections between local business owners.

The organization offers various types of events including coffee clubs and pitch opportunities where founders can network in a casual setting. These smaller meetups provide a low-pressure environment for entrepreneurs to share ideas and challenges.

A highlight in their 2025 calendar is the Oregon Startup Conference on June 20, which will feature Pitch Willamette, a shark-tank style competition. This one-day event brings together founders, investors, and innovators from across Oregon.

The Mid-Valley Innovation Hub has expanded its programming thanks to funding from Business Oregon. Their meetups now include specialized topics like AI technology in business applications.

These events cater to entrepreneurs at all stages, from those with just an idea to established businesses looking to scale. The Hub's mission centers on providing practical resources and connections that directly impact business growth in the region.

8) Knight Law Innovations Forum

The Knight Law Innovations Forum is a key event hosted by the University of Oregon School of Law that connects legal startups with investors and industry professionals. Held annually, this forum showcases cutting-edge legal tech solutions and practice innovations.

Startups attending can pitch their ideas to a panel of legal industry experts and potential investors. The forum typically includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking sessions focused on the intersection of law, technology, and business.

The event offers valuable opportunities for entrepreneurs to gain visibility in the legal tech space. Participants can connect with attorneys, law firms, and corporate legal departments looking for new technologies to improve their services.

Registration usually opens three months prior to the event date. The 2025 forum is expected to build on previous success with expanded programming for deep tech innovation in the legal sector.

The Knight Law Innovations Forum aligns with Oregon's growing reputation as a hub for legal technology startups. Many successful legal tech companies have launched or gained significant traction following their participation in this event.

9) Burgerville Food & Beverage Innovators Event

Burgerville hosts a special event for food and beverage innovators in Oregon that showcases new products from local startups. The event builds on momentum from Oregon Angel Food's Marketplace and connects entrepreneurs with potential investors and customers.

Held at the Tillamook Outpost in Portland, this gathering allows startups to both display their products and pitch their business ideas to interested parties. Attendees can sample new offerings while founders network with industry professionals.

The next event is scheduled for May 31st from 3:00-6:00 pm, making it accessible for business professionals. Startups focused on local and sustainable food products are particularly encouraged to participate.

Burgerville also collaborates with the Oregon City Chamber of Commerce for additional networking opportunities throughout the year. These complementary events help food and beverage entrepreneurs build valuable connections in the region.

The gathering attracts investors specifically interested in the food and beverage sector, providing a targeted audience for startups seeking funding. Companies at various stages of development can benefit from the exposure and feedback.

10) Oregon Entrepreneur Network Networking

The Oregon Entrepreneurs Network hosts more than 100 events yearly for both members and non-members. These gatherings help startups connect with potential investors, mentors, and peers in the business community.

OEN networking events include pitch competitions, educational workshops, and casual meetups. Entrepreneurs can get feedback on their business models and make connections that lead to funding opportunities.

The organization specifically designs its networking format to help new business owners break into established circles. This makes it easier for startup founders to find the resources they need.

For food and beverage innovators, OEN partners with local businesses like Burgerville to create specialized networking opportunities such as the Pop Up & Pitch events. These sector-specific gatherings allow for more targeted connections.

Many entrepreneurs credit OEN with helping them find critical early-stage support. The network's reputation attracts both seasoned business veterans and new founders, creating a dynamic mix at each event.

Membership provides additional benefits, but anyone can attend most networking functions. This open-door policy helps startups test the waters before committing to the organization.

The Importance of Startup Events in Oregon

Startup events serve as crucial growth catalysts for Oregon's entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing direct pathways to valuable connections and capital resources.

Networking Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

Oregon startup events create powerful spaces for founders to build meaningful business relationships. At gatherings like the Oregon Startup Conference 2025, entrepreneurs connect with potential partners, mentors, and team members who can help scale their ventures.

These events often feature structured networking sessions designed specifically for maximizing valuable interactions. Morning coffee meetups, lunch roundtables, and evening mixers provide multiple touchpoints throughout event days.

Industry-specific gatherings allow founders to meet others facing similar challenges. This targeted networking leads to knowledge sharing and potential collaborations that address common obstacles.

Regional events across Portland, Eugene, and Bend help entrepreneurs build location-specific networks, tapping into local resources and community support systems.

Access to Investors and Funding

Oregon's startup events create direct pathways to capital by bringing founders face-to-face with active investors. These gatherings significantly compress the fundraising timeline by enabling multiple investor meetings in a single day.

The Oregon Innovation Showcase specifically highlights deep tech companies seeking early-stage funding, connecting them with investors interested in this sector. Pitch competitions at these events give startups visibility and immediate feedback.

Events often include dedicated investor panels where funders share what they look for in potential investments. This transparency helps entrepreneurs tailor their pitches more effectively.

Many Oregon events feature office hours where founders can schedule one-on-one meetings with investors. These sessions provide focused time to discuss business models and funding needs in detail.

Post-event relationships initiated at these gatherings frequently lead to funding rounds in the following months, making attendance particularly valuable for startups in active fundraising stages.

Key Themes and Trends in Oregon's Startup Scene

Oregon's startup ecosystem shows clear patterns of growth in specific sectors and relies heavily on community connections to thrive. These elements are consistently showcased at the state's major innovation events.

Emerging Industries Highlighted at Events

The deep tech sector stands out as a primary focus at Oregon startup gatherings. The Oregon Innovation Showcase specifically highlights groundbreaking startups seeking early-stage funding alongside established Oregon-grown companies.

Tech companies dominate the landscape, with many centered in the "Silicon Forest" region. These businesses range from early-stage ventures to companies like Vacasa, which leads Oregon with $805.9M in annual revenue and 5.1K employees.

Clean technology, biotech, and digital health startups frequently feature at these events. Software-as-a-service (SaaS) businesses also maintain a strong presence, reflecting the state's tech-forward orientation.

Community Support and Collaboration

Oregon's startup culture thrives on robust community connections. Events consistently emphasize networking between entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem leaders rather than just pitch competitions.

Between 2010-2022, Oregon launched 134,832 new businesses, averaging 2,547 startups per million residents annually. This growth peaked in 2022 with 12,473 new establishments, showing the increasing momentum of entrepreneurial activity.

Local accelerators and incubators play crucial roles at these events by connecting founders with mentors. University partnerships, particularly with Oregon State University and Portland State University, provide research support and talent pipelines that strengthen the ecosystem.

Investment groups based both in-state and from nearby Seattle and the Bay Area actively participate in these gatherings to identify promising ventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oregon hosts several startup-focused events that provide networking, funding, and growth opportunities for entrepreneurs and new businesses. These events help startups connect with investors and other resources essential for their success.

What are the upcoming startup events in Portland?

Portland will host several startup events in the coming months. The Oregon Startup Conference 2025 is scheduled for June 20, 2025, at George Fox University.

TechfestNW Portland typically occurs in the spring, though exact dates for the next event haven't been announced yet.

The Pop Up & Pitch events by Oregon Entrepreneurs Network happen throughout the year, giving startups chances to present their ideas to potential investors.

How can one register for the Technology Association of Oregon events?

Registration for Technology Association of Oregon events usually opens 4-8 weeks before each event. Interested participants can register through the association's official website.

Early bird tickets often offer discounts of 15-30% off regular admission prices.

Most events allow online registration until the day before the event, but some popular conferences sell out weeks in advance.

What is the schedule for the next Portland Tech Day?

The next Portland Tech Day is expected to run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, featuring keynote speeches, workshop sessions, and networking opportunities.

Morning sessions typically focus on industry trends and technical presentations.

Afternoon activities include startup pitches, investor meetings, and hands-on demonstrations of new technologies.

Are there any annual technology conventions in Oregon focused on startups?

Yes, Oregon hosts several annual technology conventions focused on startups. The Oregon Startup Conference has become a key annual event celebrating entrepreneurship in the region.

The Oregon Innovation Showcase happens yearly, highlighting innovative startups from across the state.

TechfestNW serves as Portland's largest technology and startup conference, attracting attendees from across the Pacific Northwest.

How does the Oregon Tech community engage with new entrepreneurs?

The Oregon tech community engages with new entrepreneurs through mentorship programs, incubators, and accelerators. Organizations like Oregon Startup Center offer startup mentoring and virtual incubation programs.

Launch Mid-Valley and SEDCOR provide support services and connections to resources for entrepreneurs in the Mid-Willamette Valley.

Regular meetups and informal networking events create opportunities for newcomers to connect with established business leaders.

What networking opportunities are available at startup events in Oregon?

Startup events in Oregon offer structured networking sessions where attendees can meet potential investors, partners, and customers. Many events include dedicated time for one-on-one meetings between entrepreneurs and investors.

Happy hour gatherings after formal conference sessions provide casual settings for relationship building.

Some events feature industry-specific roundtables where entrepreneurs can connect with others in their field and discuss common challenges.