OEN NewsHow OHSU Innovates Supports Healthcare Entrepreneurs Along the Path to Commercialization

The journey from a promising discovery in the lab to a treatment that reaches patients is one of the most challenging and meaningful paths in science. Translational science and research are where breakthroughs thrive. Navigating funding landscapes, building business cases, and preparing competitive federal applications can feel overwhelming, especially for early-stage innovators.

At OHSU Innovates, a joint effort between the Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI), offices of Technology Transfer and Collaborations and Entrepreneurship, we believe great science shouldn’t stall because of a lack of support. We are a resource to all health and life science innovators across Oregon and offer programs designed to meet researchers, clinicians, and entrepreneurs where they are to help them move forward. Whether we can help write a stronger grant, figuring out if your idea has commercial momentum, or getting expert eyes on your drug or device development plan.

Phase 0/00: Strengthening Your Path to Federal Funding

Securing an SBIR or STTR grant is an effective way for small businesses to fund early-stage research and development. These opportunities are highly competitive, and without a polished, strategically structured proposal, and clear commercialization pathway, many applications fall short. That’s where Phase 0/00 comes in. The Phase 0/00 program, a partnership with Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, has been helping technology-based Oregon small businesses increase SBIR/STTR competitiveness since 2014. The program provides eligible small businesses up to $5,000, which can be used for a broad range of review and grant preparation services. Phase 0/00 recipients have consistently outpaced NIH SBIR/STTR success rates compared to averages at the state and national levels.

Phase 0/00 provides up to $5,000 in support specifically designed to help Oregon-based small life science and healthcare related businesses sharpen their SBIR or STTR applications. Whether you’re submitting a Phase I, Phase II, or Fast-Track proposal, this program gives you access to expert resources before you hit submit.

Grant Review Benefits

Working through Phase 0/00, you gain access to strategic guidance from experienced translational scientists who know what reviewers are looking for, including:

Writing guidance and feedback grounded in NIH review criteria
Connections to scientific consultants or advisors who can strengthen your proposal
Recommendations for additional preliminary studies or data analysis
Identification of weaknesses in your application before it reaches federal reviewers

Grant Preparation Services

Beyond review, Phase 0/00 can fund a range of preparation services, including biostatistics and statistical design support, business development plan, grant writing, graphic design assistance, preliminary data preparation, patent and IP analysis, and access to OHSU Research Cores and Shared Resources.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must be Oregon-based, traded-sector for small businesses with a healthcare-related focus that meets all federal SBIR or STTR eligibility requirements. At least 51% of the research described must be conducted within Oregon. Prior approval from Business Oregon and OCTRI is required before engaging reviewers or support services.

Contact Jonathan Jubera, OCTRI Awards Project Manager for any questions: jubera@ohsu.edu

BIP Corp: Translating Science into Real-World Impact

Having a groundbreaking discovery is only the beginning. The harder question….one that scientists often aren’t trained to ask………is: Will anyone use this?

The Biomedical Innovation: Commercialization Readiness Program (BIP Corp) is built around exactly that question. Modeled after the National Science Foundation’s nationally recognized Innovation Corps (I-CorpsTM) program, BIP Corp gives biomedical scientists, clinician-scientists, engineers, and students the skills and tools to determine whether their innovation has real world potential and how to build a compelling case for it.

A Six-Week Course That Changes How You Think About Your Research

BIP Corp is a virtual, six-week, no-cost course blending synchronous and asynchronous learning to fit demanding schedules. It’s open to OHSU and non-OHSU participants alike and is designed for individuals or teams at the early stages of an idea, not just those with a finished product.

The program helps you connect with potential customers, stress-test your assumptions, and understand the market for your work. Participants walk away with:

A clear picture of the commercial viability of their innovation
A compelling business case for securing funding and attracting collaborators
An expanded network of innovation partners, mentors, and potential investors
Customer discovery insights to support future grant applications, including SBIR/STTR proposals

BIP Corp is a fit for clinicians, scientists, postdocs, residents, graduate and medical students, and entrepreneurs with an early-stage healthcare focused prototype, protocol, service, or idea. You don’t need a polished product to enroll – just an idea worth testing.

Enroll Here for the Fall 2026 cohort, Sept 11 – Oct 16or the Fall 2026 cohort, Sept 11 – Oct 16

Contact Melissa Mudd, Innovation Alliance Manager for any questions: muddm@ohsu.edu

Drug and Device Advisory Committee: Expert Guidance, No Cost

For teams actively developing a drug or device, knowing what you don’t know can be just as important as science itself. The Drug and Device Advisory Committee (DDAC) offers no-cost consultation to investigatory teams focused on moving a new drug or device toward commercialization.

The DDAC advisory panel brings together individuals with broad expertise in life science, technology development and entrepreneurship. They can provide guidance across a wide range of critical areas, including:

FDA regulatory affairs
Intellectual property development and protection
Clinical protocol design
Engineering considerations
Marketing strategy

Meetings are held virtually on the second Wednesday of every month from 2:00–3:30 PM, giving teams regular access to a standing panel of experts without the cost of hiring consultants independently.

Teams interested in receiving feedback on their project development can reach out directly to:

Contact Claudia Nakama, Innovation Alliance Manager with any questions: nakama@ohsu.edu.

OHSU Innovates Speaker Series

The OHSU Innovates Seminar Series goes beyond traditional innovation discussions, exploring how diversity in thought, background, and experience leads to more robust and creative solutions. Join us as we delve into inspiring stories, share valuable insights, and engage in thought-provoking conversations that not only drive innovation but also ensure that the benefits are accessible to all.

Through interactive sessions, expert panels, and collaborative workshops, we aim to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds, break down barriers, and catalyze a more equitable and innovative future. Whether you’re an academic scientist, clinician, professional, student, or simply passionate about driving positive change, this series offers a platform to learn, connect, and contribute to a more inclusive and innovative world.

Catch up on some of our previous sessions:

Advancing Gene Therapy at OHSU: From Discovery to Clinical Impact

The Path Forward Starts Here

Translational science is hard work, but it doesn’t have to be lonely work. OCTRI’s programs are designed to support innovators at every stage of the journey, from sharpening a federal grant application to vetting commercial potential to getting expert guidance on the regulatory and development road ahead.

Phase 0/00 helps you show up to federal review panels with a stronger, more competitive proposal.

BIP Corp helps you show up to investors and collaborators with a story grounded in evidence.

DDAC ensures that as your drug or device moves forward, you’re not navigating the path to commercialization alone.

The OHSU Seminar series help you understand from shared experiences and strategies.

Great ideas deserve every resource we can offer to help them reach the people who need them most, and we’re here to make that happen. Our team works with organizations across Oregon and nationally, and if we don’t have the answer or resource you need, we’ll connect you with someone who does. Visit OCTRI’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship page as well as the OHSU Innovates Page to learn more about the programs we offer.

Questions?

Please reach out so we can all navigate this together — Christopher Sagar, sagar@ohsu.edu.