The Oregon Startup Conference 2025 recently convened, bringing together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders from across Oregon. Hosted by the Launch Mid-Valley Regional Innovation Hub, an initiative funded by Business Oregon, the one-day event served as a crucial platform for showcasing regional innovation and fostering connections within the state’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.
A central feature of the conference was Pitch Willamette, a “Shark Tank”-style competition that saw eight local startups present their ventures to a panel of seasoned investors and a live audience. The competition culminated with Dayo, a Portland-based digital wellness application, being named the 2025 winner. Dayo secured a $30,000 investment from the Mid-Valley Angel Fund, an injection of capital designed to accelerate its growth. Dayo’s model is innovative: it incentivizes users to limit their social media engagement to under 30 minutes daily by offering up to $5 and discounts from prominent brands.
Beyond the judges’ decision, the audience played a direct role in recognizing talent. The People’s Choice Award was bestowed upon Life2Launch, which received a $1,000 prize along with significant public endorsement, underscoring the community’s engagement with the entrepreneurial landscape.
Mike White, Venture Catalyst at Launch Mid-Valley, articulated the strategic importance of the event. “Pitch Willamette is more than a competition, it’s a platform to elevate bold ideas, connect founders to capital, and shine a spotlight on the incredible entrepreneurial talent here in the Mid-Willamette Valley,” White stated. He added, “The energy, innovation, and community support we saw this year were truly inspiring,” highlighting the robust and collaborative spirit of the region’s startup community.
Naureen Khan, Marketing and Communications Manager at SEDCOR, further emphasized the broader mission. “Events like the Oregon Startup Conference and the ongoing work of the Launch Mid-Valley Innovation Hub directly support SEDCOR’s mission to strengthen the region’s economy by cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Khan stated. “By connecting local founders with investors, mentors, and strategic resources, we’re not only helping new businesses get off the ground, but we’re also laying the foundation for the kinds of high-growth, high-value companies that bring quality jobs and long-term economic resilience to our region.”
Khan also elaborated on the alignment with SEDCOR’s core focus: “These efforts align with our core focus on traded-sector industry development by encouraging innovation in key sectors like advanced manufacturing, ag tech, and sustainable products. Through Launch Mid-Valley, we’re expanding access to capital, education, and support for entrepreneurs in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties, ensuring that the Mid-Willamette Valley is not just a great place to live, but also a place where big ideas can start and scale.”
The Oregon Startup Conference and Pitch Willamette are integral components of Launch Mid-Valley’s broader mission to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses across the region. With backing from Business Oregon, Launch Mid-Valley is systematically expanding its influence through various initiatives, including targeted events, mentorship opportunities, and facilitating access to crucial capital. This multifaceted approach is designed to fortify the regional startup ecosystem by fostering critical connections and providing essential resources.
The Launch Mid-Valley Innovation Hub is part of a larger statewide effort, benefiting from a $2.6 million investment by Business Oregon and the Oregon Innovation Council (Oregon InC), aimed at strengthening innovation hubs across Oregon. Specifically, Launch Mid-Valley was awarded a $270,000 grant to advance its operations and support entrepreneurs and startups within Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties.
This initiative is a collaborative endeavor led by the Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR), in partnership with several key regional organizations. These include the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership, Chehalem Valley Innovation Accelerator, George Fox University, Chemeketa Community College, Chemeketa Small Business Development Center, Indy Idea Hub, Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and Willamette Workforce Partnership. This coalition underscores a unified commitment to regional economic development through innovation.
Consistent with Oregon’s 10-Year Innovation Plan, Launch Mid-Valley is strategically focused on nurturing high-growth, scalable ventures, particularly in sectors such as science, technology, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture. The Hub’s overarching objective is to bolster regional entrepreneurship by ensuring innovators are connected with the necessary resources, capital, and mentorship to achieve sustained success.