Business Oregon Issues Request for Proposals to Drive Industry Growth

Business Oregon and the Oregon Innovation Council (Oregon InC) are soliciting a second round of proposals to fund discrete projects to support industry growth. The projects should remove barriers to research and development, support product development and testing, increase technology commercialization, or advance other aspects of industry innovation.

The goal is to support the growth of emerging and potentially high-value industry sectors, with three sectors in particular identified as priorities:

• Active Lifestyle: digital health, apparel and outdoor gear, wearable technology
• Advanced Manufacturing: metals/advanced materials, chemicals/processes, bioscience
• Natural Resources: agriculture technology, wood products, food/beverage

High technology is certainly a theme that crosses all of these industries, which includes smart technology, clean technology, and data/analytics. Projects are highly encouraged from these sectors although it is not required that projects fit into these sectors. All projects are expected to support the growth of an industry or sector, not just an individual business. Proposals that demonstrate benefits for just a single business will not be considered. Consortia of industry partners are encouraged to apply. Project funds are flexible in how they can be used to best support a particular sector’s needs. Thus, there is not an exact list of eligible uses of the funds, but possible projects could include: shared specialty testing or production facilities or equipment; research and development; technology commercialization actives.

The first round of awards was announced in December 2018 and consisted of three projects.

For this second round of proposals, Oregon InC has approximately $2 million remaining for HIOP grants, to be disbursed through Business Oregon. Projects are anticipated to last from 6 to 18 months. All projects are expected to support the growth of an industry, not an individual business. Proposals that demonstrate benefits for just a single business will not be considered. Consortia of industry partners are encouraged to apply. Project funds are flexible in how they can be used to best support a particular sector’s needs.

Visit Business Oregon’s contracting web page to download details, deadline, and submission requirements. This application process includes opportunities for questions and clarifications at several points during the open period, including a town hall for applicants, open hours to speak with Business Oregon staff.

The application period is open through 5:00 pm February 22, 2019.

Contact: Mark Brady, 503-689-5638.