National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

James Donlon

Program Director

Debasis Majumdar

Program Director

Graciela Narcho

Staff Associate

Sethuraman Panchanathan

Director

Past deals in Oregon

Portland State University

Grant in 2023
Portland State University, the largest university in Oregon, is an urban institution located in the heart of Portland. Established in 1946, it provides a diverse array of academic programs, offering over 220 undergraduate degree options and more than 100 graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees. The university emphasizes sustainability through extensive research initiatives aimed at improving environmental conditions. In addition to its academic offerings, Portland State fosters a vibrant campus life with nearly 200 student organizations focused on various interests, including arts, advocacy, and community service. The surrounding city enhances the student experience with its rich array of coffee shops, restaurants, and cultural activities, along with accessible nature trails and parks. Admissions requirements and tuition rates vary by program, with special provisions for senior citizens and Oregon residents. Financial aid options are also available for eligible students. The university's business accelerator connects startups with university resources, providing essential support for emerging companies in the science and technology sectors.

University of Oregon

Grant in 2023
For over a century, the University of Oregon (UO) has provided students with innovative academic programs. The large, main campus is located in Eugene, and other sites are available in Portland and Charleston (Oregon Institute of Marine Biology). The school even has the Pine Mountain Observatory in Central Oregon, operated by astronomers and UO physics students. UO’s academics offer hundreds of undergraduate and graduate degree programs including: Biochemistry, Business Administration, Interior Architecture, Marine Biology, and Music Education. It even has pre-professional programs in Clinical Laboratory Science, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Teacher Education, and Veterinary Medicine. Study abroad programs for academic credit are available as well. Admissions materials for the school can be submitted online along with the required application fee. Applications are evaluated based on academic potential, grades, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and other considerations. Financial aid is awarded to those who qualify to assist with tuition costs and other educational expenses. Tuition fees are discounted for Oregon residents. College life at UO is full of opportunities: Greek Life, student-run clubs and organizations, recreational activities, sports, and more. The school is also well known for its athletic teams, the Oregon Ducks, who compete in the PAC-12. The football team in particular has built a large fan base, and students can be found at the stadium every home game Saturday during the season. For exceptional academics in a traditional university setting located near the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, take a look at the University of Oregon.

ProMedix

Grant in 2023
ProMedix is a medical device startup founded in 2019 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon. The company specializes in developing noninvasive, fingertip patient monitors aimed at enhancing the recognition of circulatory dysfunction. Its innovative devices facilitate diagnostic evaluations and the monitoring of therapeutic interventions for various medical conditions, such as trauma, dehydration, and sepsis. By improving home patient monitoring, ProMedix enables physicians to streamline care in both home and critical settings, thereby preventing unnecessary acute visits and enhancing emergency or critical care outcomes.

Oregon State University

Grant in 2023
Oregon State University, founded in 1868, serves as the state’s Land Grant university and is distinguished by its Sea Grant, Space Grant, and Sun Grant designations, making it one of only two U.S. universities to hold this combination. It is recognized for its research excellence and community engagement, holding the Carnegie Foundation's top designation for research institutions. With a diverse student body of over 26,000 from across Oregon and more than 100 countries, Oregon State offers over 200 undergraduate and 80 graduate degree programs, including more than 30 online degrees through Oregon State Ecampus. The university operates 12 colleges, 15 Agricultural Experiment Stations, and 35 county Extension offices, as well as facilities such as the Hatfield Marine Sciences Center and OSU-Cascades. Oregon State's economic impact extends across all 36 counties in Oregon, contributing $2.06 billion to the state's economy. The university is noted for its strong programs in fields including conservation biology, agricultural sciences, nuclear engineering, and pharmacy, attracting high-achieving students committed to making a positive difference in society.

Oregon State University

Grant in 2022
Oregon State University, founded in 1868, serves as the state’s Land Grant university and is distinguished by its Sea Grant, Space Grant, and Sun Grant designations, making it one of only two U.S. universities to hold this combination. It is recognized for its research excellence and community engagement, holding the Carnegie Foundation's top designation for research institutions. With a diverse student body of over 26,000 from across Oregon and more than 100 countries, Oregon State offers over 200 undergraduate and 80 graduate degree programs, including more than 30 online degrees through Oregon State Ecampus. The university operates 12 colleges, 15 Agricultural Experiment Stations, and 35 county Extension offices, as well as facilities such as the Hatfield Marine Sciences Center and OSU-Cascades. Oregon State's economic impact extends across all 36 counties in Oregon, contributing $2.06 billion to the state's economy. The university is noted for its strong programs in fields including conservation biology, agricultural sciences, nuclear engineering, and pharmacy, attracting high-achieving students committed to making a positive difference in society.

Inherent Targeting

Grant in 2021
Inherent Targeting develops fluorescent contrast agents that target nerves to improve surgical outcomes. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.

OmnEcoil Instruments

Grant in 2020
OmnEcoil Instruments is a Portland, Oregon-based company founded in 2016 that focuses on developing an innovative device for the detection of prostate cancer and tissue sampling. The device enhances the traditional ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy approach by integrating MRI technology, allowing for a more efficient and accurate diagnostic procedure. This advancement aims to improve the quality of care for patients by providing healthcare providers with a streamlined method for identifying prostate cancer and obtaining tissue samples.

Stark Street Materials

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Stark Street Materials, founded in 2018 and based in Portland, Oregon, specializes in the development of radiation shielding garments designed to enhance safety for users exposed to radiation. The company focuses on creating non-toxic, washable, and lightweight materials that incorporate bismuth particles as a shielding element instead of traditional lead salts. This innovative approach allows for garments that are flexible, foldable, and elastic, providing medical personnel and other users with a more comfortable and effective means of radiation protection.

LuxNour Technologies

Grant in 2020
LuxNour Technologies manufactures precision equipment for the massive parallel transfer of micro-scale objects. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.

Grotthuss

Grant in 2020
Grotthuss is a battery technology company that provides energy storage solutions. The company was headquartered in Happy Valley, Oregon.

FluxMagic

Grant in 2020
FluxMagic is an electronics company based in Portland, Oregon, founded in 2019. The company specializes in the development of innovative magnetic devices tailored for renewable energy applications. Its systems employ powerful magnets arranged to facilitate energy transfer between moving components without physical contact, eliminating the need for lubricants or heat transfer fluids. This design not only enhances the longevity of the devices compared to traditional mechanical systems but also supports magneto-mechanical energy conversion for both industrial and consumer markets. By focusing on efficiency and sustainability, FluxMagic aims to contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions in energy use.

NexTC

Grant in 2020
NexTC is a manufacturer based in Corvallis, Oregon, specializing in insulator and conductive oxide coatings for the energy and large-area electronics markets. Founded in 2018, the company develops chemical materials aimed at enhancing energy conversion and efficiency. Its products help manufacturers lower production costs, expand market opportunities, and innovate in product development. By focusing on these specialized coatings, NexTC supports advancements in both energy and electronics sectors.

Miga Motor Company

Grant in 2020
Miga Motor Company manufactures memory actuators that are ultra-lightweight and require no maintenance. The company was founded by Mark Gummin and is based in Silverton, Oregon.

Parisi Technologies

Grant in 2019
Parisi Technologies develops impact-resistant composite materials for lucrative high-tech industries. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.

Skip Technology

Grant in 2019
Skip Technology develops a battery for large-scale electrical storage. The company was founded in 2018 by Dr. Ben Brown and Dr. Brennan Gantner and is based in Portland, Oregon.

Oregon State University

Grant in 2019
Oregon State University, founded in 1868, serves as the state’s Land Grant university and is distinguished by its Sea Grant, Space Grant, and Sun Grant designations, making it one of only two U.S. universities to hold this combination. It is recognized for its research excellence and community engagement, holding the Carnegie Foundation's top designation for research institutions. With a diverse student body of over 26,000 from across Oregon and more than 100 countries, Oregon State offers over 200 undergraduate and 80 graduate degree programs, including more than 30 online degrees through Oregon State Ecampus. The university operates 12 colleges, 15 Agricultural Experiment Stations, and 35 county Extension offices, as well as facilities such as the Hatfield Marine Sciences Center and OSU-Cascades. Oregon State's economic impact extends across all 36 counties in Oregon, contributing $2.06 billion to the state's economy. The university is noted for its strong programs in fields including conservation biology, agricultural sciences, nuclear engineering, and pharmacy, attracting high-achieving students committed to making a positive difference in society.

Gadusol Laboratories

Grant in 2019
Gadusol Laboratories, based in Corvallis, Oregon, is a startup focused on developing non-toxic sunscreens through the use of patented synthetic biology technology. The company specializes in producing natural sunscreen antioxidants derived from marine organisms, specifically gadusol, which is utilized by aquatic creatures to protect themselves from sunburn. As concerns about the environmental and health impacts of conventional sunscreen ingredients grow, Gadusol Laboratories aims to provide safe, effective, and comfortable alternatives for consumers.

Gadusol Laboratories

Seed Round in 2019
Gadusol Laboratories, based in Corvallis, Oregon, is a startup focused on developing non-toxic sunscreens through the use of patented synthetic biology technology. The company specializes in producing natural sunscreen antioxidants derived from marine organisms, specifically gadusol, which is utilized by aquatic creatures to protect themselves from sunburn. As concerns about the environmental and health impacts of conventional sunscreen ingredients grow, Gadusol Laboratories aims to provide safe, effective, and comfortable alternatives for consumers.

Integrative Economics

Grant in 2019
Integrative Economics develops instrument designs for optical insect detection in agricultural settings. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.

Portland State University

Grant in 2018
Portland State University, the largest university in Oregon, is an urban institution located in the heart of Portland. Established in 1946, it provides a diverse array of academic programs, offering over 220 undergraduate degree options and more than 100 graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees. The university emphasizes sustainability through extensive research initiatives aimed at improving environmental conditions. In addition to its academic offerings, Portland State fosters a vibrant campus life with nearly 200 student organizations focused on various interests, including arts, advocacy, and community service. The surrounding city enhances the student experience with its rich array of coffee shops, restaurants, and cultural activities, along with accessible nature trails and parks. Admissions requirements and tuition rates vary by program, with special provisions for senior citizens and Oregon residents. Financial aid options are also available for eligible students. The university's business accelerator connects startups with university resources, providing essential support for emerging companies in the science and technology sectors.

Gadusol Laboratories

Grant in 2017
Gadusol Laboratories, based in Corvallis, Oregon, is a startup focused on developing non-toxic sunscreens through the use of patented synthetic biology technology. The company specializes in producing natural sunscreen antioxidants derived from marine organisms, specifically gadusol, which is utilized by aquatic creatures to protect themselves from sunburn. As concerns about the environmental and health impacts of conventional sunscreen ingredients grow, Gadusol Laboratories aims to provide safe, effective, and comfortable alternatives for consumers.

OmnEcoil Instruments

Grant in 2017
OmnEcoil Instruments is a Portland, Oregon-based company founded in 2016 that focuses on developing an innovative device for the detection of prostate cancer and tissue sampling. The device enhances the traditional ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy approach by integrating MRI technology, allowing for a more efficient and accurate diagnostic procedure. This advancement aims to improve the quality of care for patients by providing healthcare providers with a streamlined method for identifying prostate cancer and obtaining tissue samples.

TangiTek

Grant in 2017
TangiTek develops carbon fiber composites for use in aerospace, electronics, defense, communications, and consumer products. The company was founded in 2011 and is based in Portland, Oregon.

IOTAS

Grant in 2017
IOTAS, Inc. is a Portland, Oregon-based company that specializes in home automation services specifically designed for apartment residents. Founded in 2014, IOTAS installs a range of smart devices, including outlets, switches, plugs, sensors, and hubs, to create a fully-connected smart home environment. The company offers a comprehensive automation platform that integrates these devices, allowing residents to control and automate lighting and appliances through a single application, voice commands, or scheduled triggers. This technology not only enhances the living experience for residents but also provides property developers with an efficient setup process to attract tenants and reduce utility and management costs. IOTAS aims to transform multifamily units into smart homes, benefiting both residents and property managers.

Madorra

Grant in 2017
Madorra Inc. manufactures medical devices aimed at treating vaginal dryness, specifically for post-menopausal women and breast cancer survivors. Founded in 2014 and based in Portland, Oregon, the company seeks to empower women by providing a non-hormonal treatment alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. Madorra's innovative device addresses vaginal atrophy and aims to restore vaginal health, offering women greater choice in their treatment options. Through its focus on this underserved issue, Madorra is changing the landscape of women's health care.

Imagars

Grant in 2016
Imagaars offers software solutions for the automatic recognition of vector graphics in image sketches, automatic identification and visualization of CAD files, and automatic assessment of design activities. Imagaars is based in Portland, Oregon.

Madorra

Grant in 2015
Madorra Inc. manufactures medical devices aimed at treating vaginal dryness, specifically for post-menopausal women and breast cancer survivors. Founded in 2014 and based in Portland, Oregon, the company seeks to empower women by providing a non-hormonal treatment alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. Madorra's innovative device addresses vaginal atrophy and aims to restore vaginal health, offering women greater choice in their treatment options. Through its focus on this underserved issue, Madorra is changing the landscape of women's health care.

Gamma Therapeutics

Grant in 2015
Gamma Therapeutics (GT) is an early stage biotechnology venture developing patented and patent-pending medical devices for cardiovascular disease risk assessment, surgical therapy and hemorrhage control based upon a single technology platform of human biocompatible clotting proteins. Gamma Therapeutics was incorporated in the State of Oregon in 2009 and launched as a biotechnology start-up in July, 2010. The founder, David H. Farrell, PhD, a 33-year researcher in coagulation, hemostasis and thrombosis research, is Chief Scientific Officer of Gamma Therapeutics and a Professor of Surgery in the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Department of Surgical Medicine. David F Eastman, MS, is the Chief Executive Officer with 35 years of life science and high technology marketing and executive management experience. The company was originally funded with a $1.56 M grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to develop the GammaCoeur™ CVD Risk ELISA, a clinical diagnostic laboratory test for heart attack and stroke risk. GammaCoeur is CE Marked in the European Union, completed an initial clinical trial with 10,601 cardiac at risk patients at the University of Vermont, is sold in the U.S. as a Laboratory Developed Test (LBT) /Research Use Only (RUO) test by ZEUS Scientific and is awaiting final FDA clearance in the U.S. Gamma Therapeutics is headquartered in Portland, Oregon at the Oregon Translational Research and Development Institute (OTRADI) Business Incubator (OBI), 4640 SW Macadam Avenue, Portland, Oregon USA 97239.

IOTAS

Grant in 2015
IOTAS, Inc. is a Portland, Oregon-based company that specializes in home automation services specifically designed for apartment residents. Founded in 2014, IOTAS installs a range of smart devices, including outlets, switches, plugs, sensors, and hubs, to create a fully-connected smart home environment. The company offers a comprehensive automation platform that integrates these devices, allowing residents to control and automate lighting and appliances through a single application, voice commands, or scheduled triggers. This technology not only enhances the living experience for residents but also provides property developers with an efficient setup process to attract tenants and reduce utility and management costs. IOTAS aims to transform multifamily units into smart homes, benefiting both residents and property managers.

IOTAS

Seed Round in 2015
IOTAS, Inc. is a Portland, Oregon-based company that specializes in home automation services specifically designed for apartment residents. Founded in 2014, IOTAS installs a range of smart devices, including outlets, switches, plugs, sensors, and hubs, to create a fully-connected smart home environment. The company offers a comprehensive automation platform that integrates these devices, allowing residents to control and automate lighting and appliances through a single application, voice commands, or scheduled triggers. This technology not only enhances the living experience for residents but also provides property developers with an efficient setup process to attract tenants and reduce utility and management costs. IOTAS aims to transform multifamily units into smart homes, benefiting both residents and property managers.

Nano3D Systems

Grant in 2015
Nano3D Systems specializes in electrochemical metallization for high-tech applications. The company was founded in 2008 by Dr. Val Dubin and is headquartered in Corvallis, Oregon.

OnTo Technology

Grant in 2014
OnTo develops and patents advanced battery recycling innovations that yield high-quality electrode materials made from recycled batteries. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Bend, Oregon.

Imagars

Grant in 2014
Imagaars offers software solutions for the automatic recognition of vector graphics in image sketches, automatic identification and visualization of CAD files, and automatic assessment of design activities. Imagaars is based in Portland, Oregon.

SupraSensor Technologies

Grant in 2014
SupraSensor Technologies, founded in 2012 in Oregon, specializes in developing advanced sensor technologies for agriculture and industry, leveraging insights from supramolecular chemistry. The company's innovative soil sensors are designed to detect agricultural chemicals, including pesticides and fertilizers, as well as to monitor soil salinity levels. By applying its technology, SupraSensor aims to address unmet needs in the agricultural sector, enabling farmers to effectively manage critical molecular components during cultivation. The company's technologies are rooted in intellectual property derived from extensive research conducted at the University of Oregon and other institutions worldwide.

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network

Grant in 2014
Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs through a robust network of peers, mentors, and funding opportunities. Established in 1991, OEN has a long-standing commitment to fostering innovation and job creation within the region. The organization provides hands-on training and resources to help startups navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. With over 23 years of experience, OEN has positioned itself as a central hub for the entrepreneurial community in Oregon, aiming to enhance the state's reputation as a center for entrepreneurial excellence.

MicroTech Instruments

Grant in 2013
Virginia Investor Portfolio Project - Q4 2021 (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MG-pIE-OQy6Bk3DyFqH2CA9_TWo7pA9rvn18zZxtgoA) MicroTech Instruments manufactures instruments for laser micromachining, coherent raman, multi-photon and terahertz imaging and spectroscopy applications. The company provides a wide range of equipment such as wire gride polarizers, polarization rotators, polyethylene lenses, and THz low pass filters. MicroTech Instruments was established in 1995 by Vladimir Kozlov in Eugene, Oregon.

Nano3D Systems

Grant in 2013
Nano3D Systems specializes in electrochemical metallization for high-tech applications. The company was founded in 2008 by Dr. Val Dubin and is headquartered in Corvallis, Oregon.

SupraSensor Technologies

Grant in 2012
SupraSensor Technologies, founded in 2012 in Oregon, specializes in developing advanced sensor technologies for agriculture and industry, leveraging insights from supramolecular chemistry. The company's innovative soil sensors are designed to detect agricultural chemicals, including pesticides and fertilizers, as well as to monitor soil salinity levels. By applying its technology, SupraSensor aims to address unmet needs in the agricultural sector, enabling farmers to effectively manage critical molecular components during cultivation. The company's technologies are rooted in intellectual property derived from extensive research conducted at the University of Oregon and other institutions worldwide.

Pellucere Technologies

Grant in 2012
Pellucere Technologies, established in 2009 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, specializes in developing and manufacturing optical coatings for energy and industrial applications. The company's flagship product, MoreSun, is a solar anti-reflective coating with an anti-soiling silica shield, designed to enhance the performance of solar modules by enabling them to capture more light. Pellucere serves utility-scale projects globally, with a research and development and production facility in Corvallis, Oregon, and sales and customer support offices in Germany and Taiwan.

Oregon Physics

Grant in 2012
Oregon Physics develops ion and electron beam products. That products include aperture strips, hyperion I positive ion sources, electron guns, suppressors, and extractors. They provide edge ion and electron beam solutions for instrument manufacturers, R&D, and industry.

Chemica Technologies

Grant in 2012
Chemica Technologies is a privately-held technology development company incorporated in Oregon as a C-Corp in 2006. Through innovative surface and material chemistry they are creating novel materials that protect human health and help sustain their environment. They specialize in separation technology, chemical engineering, metal recovery, water remediation, and custom synthesis.

Inpria

Grant in 2012
Inpria Corporation is a company based in Corvallis, Oregon, that specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of EUV metal oxide photoresists for the semiconductor industry. Founded in 2007, Inpria is recognized for its innovative approach to extending semiconductor lithography through inorganic photoresists and thin films for nanoscale patterning. The company's patented photo-condensed molecular oxides allow for the direct deposition of atomically smooth and dense metal oxide films from solution, which can be photopatterned for advanced applications. Inpria's photoresists are meticulously designed to meet rigorous industry specifications, addressing key factors such as resolution, sensitivity, and line width roughness, while integrating seamlessly into manufacturing processes. This holistic approach provides customers with a comprehensive solution that includes photoresists, developers, and related materials.

CleverSet

Grant in 2006
Cleverset was started by statistics expert Bruce D'Ambrosio, professor emeritus at Oregon State University. He got a grant from the National Science Foundation to track the behavior of satellites. He later hired CEO, Todd Humphrey, to help turn the project into a business.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.