We are a community that helps each other build self-directed projects and startups.
Who we are
Our team
The Oregon Innovation Challenge is co-organized by the Oregon Entrepreneurship Group and the University of Oregon Lundquist Center for Entrepreneurship.
Our mission
We create a supportive community for students to build projects of their own. Our daily goal is to help everyone we meet ask, “Why not me?”
Our impact
We help students build things that solve real problems, we create a learning culture where risk and failure are just part of the process, and we illuminate possibilities for a better future.
Our process
Students submit projects and ideas and join the program. Throughout winter term, we run workshops and mentorship sessions to help you make progress, regardless of where you started. In spring, students are trained to pitch for up to $10,000 to take their work to the next level. Funding decisions are based on both the pitch and on the progress made through the program.
Our community
UO students of all ages, majors, and backgrounds are welcome. You can work solo or in a team, and you can add teammates anytime. At every event, you’ll be surrounded by people who understand the ups and downs of starting a new project. We all want to help each other succeed—and we hope you’ll leave each session with renewed energy and focus.
Our mentors
It’s hard to build something useful without feedback and support. Oregon Innovation Challenge mentors volunteer their time to share their experience and help students with their projects. Every student who joins the program gets multiple sessions with mentors. If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, please fill out this 2-minute interest form and we’ll be in touch!