PSU University Venture Development Fund

The University Venture Development Fund provides Oregon universities the opportunity to accept gifts from individuals and organizations that wish to support research and commercialization activities at the universities.  Donors receive a significant State of Oregon tax credit. The university technology transfer offices use the funds to facilitate the commercialization of university research and development. 

Portland State University’s Office of Innovation & Intellectual Property uses UVDF funds to support projects and startup companies with the potential to increase the impact of PSU innovations, thanks to generous gifts from many donors.

The PSU UVDF is administered under three programs;

The Development Fund

This fund provides funding for technologies and research teams requiring small amounts of funding to develop a prototype, proof-of-concept, or other "demonstrations" of an innovative idea to spur on further development or interest in the technology.

The Promotion Fund

This fund provides faculty and research teams opportunities to travel to a company or conference to promote their innovation through targeted presentations. The fund is also used to support entrepreneurial education at PSU.

The Facilitator Fund

All startup companies face the daunting task of finding funding. The Facilitator Fund provides grants and seed funds to small companies that have licensed or will license PSU intellectual property.  

Applications for UVDF funding are accepted on a rolling basis, and award amounts are based on availability and potential for impact.