• Current Projects

Bioscience

On the bioscience front, the newly completed EDA-funded Science Center at EOU houses an array of state-of-the-art lab equipment available for the first time in the eastern part of the state of Oregon. ROI is working with the university to evaluate the prospects of a “fee for service” analytical lab that will serve the region. Potential applications include water sampling, pesticide residual measurements, drug screening, and plant DNA analysis. In addition to accommodating EOU faculty and student research, the Science Center also houses labs utilized by the Oregon Health and Science University, Oregon State University, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. ROI has partnered with Portland State University and the University of Oregon to establish lab-to-market technology transfers and commercialization techniques, with the goal of providing the support to develop opportunities within the university environment that will then spin off into the private sector.

Renewable Energy

Developing renewable energy resources is becoming another high priority for Oregonians. ROI recognizes that the rural areas of the state are in a prime position to capitalize on the wind, geothermal, bio fuel, and bio mass energy sources found around the state. Much of the state’s geothermal activity is located within the Great Basin area and extends into northern Nevada and northern California and ROI intends to collaborate with the University of Nevada, Reno and Chico State University in providing assistance to develop this piece of the industry cluster. ROI will focus on the small business opportunities that support renewable energy projects.

Value-Added Agriculture

Value-added agriculture products are also noted as priorities in many of Oregon’s Economic Development District Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies. As with renewable energy, ROI will focus on the small business opportunities that support value-added agriculture.

 

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