Propel January 2021 Newsletter

Carol Dahl, Executive Director of the Lemelson Foundation

Lemelson Foundation Pledges $1 Million to Invent Oregon

Portland State recently announced that the Lemelson Foundation has awarded a grant of $1 million to advance the Invent Oregon Collegiate Challenge, also known as the InventOR program, within the PSU Center for Entrepreneurship.

Cleantech Challenge Finalists

Five teams advance in the PSU Cleantech Challenge to compete for $10,000 in grants and prizes. Finalists will make their final pitches in April. The top two teams will advance to the InventOR competition.

Propel Partnership Profile: VertueLab

VertueLab's partnership with PSU dates back to 2007. Today, the organization makes direct, program-related investments in cleantech startups, including many with close ties to Portland State.

Propel Startup Company Highlight: Diatomix

Diatomix, a Beaverton-based startup company, uses technologies developed at Portland State to improve the quality of the air we breath by continuously lowering levels of airborne chemicals in indoor spaces.

Turner Automotive

PSU students and InventOR participants Turner Automotive have developed a hydrogen conversion kit that can convert any internal combustion engine into a zero-carbon vehicle.

Events & Announcements

PSBA's DEI Training with Christine Slattery - January 21, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

The PSBA is pleased to welcome Christine Slattery, Portland-based attorney, trainer, and workplace investigator, for a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training session. In this training, Christine will discuss how to craft a meaningful value statement for your company, why this is important, and how to bring this statement to life. Additionally, the need to have a company handbook will be covered and an anti-harassment policy, required for all Oregon companies as of October 1, 2020. RSVP

Kickstart Weekend - January 29-31

PSU Kickstart Weekend: Kick-off your year of innovation and entrepreneurship at PSU with a fun, intensive two-day session. Participants will work with teams, mentors from the Portland Startup community, PSU faculty, and staff to experience innovation in action and hone entrepreneurial skills. Register today.

Invent for the Planet - February 26-28

Invent for the Planet is a 54-hour Intensive Design Experience that engages students on a single weekend to solve high-impact, global problems. Register today.

Fundamentals for Startups Series

Fundamentals for Startups is a free training resource designed to help entrepreneurs and innovators navigate the exciting, complex, and sometimes daunting journey of a startup. Individuals or teams are encouraged to sign up and learn the ins and outs of navigating the startup process. These weekly workshops take place on Fridays from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.