Oregon R&D Grants & Resources

An interactive guide to competitive and entitlement R&D funding for Oregon businesses.

Federal SBIR/STTR Programs

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive federal grants that encourage small businesses to engage in R&D with the potential for commercialization.

  • Phase I (Proof of Concept): ~$50,000 - $275,000
  • Phase II (Technology Development): ~$750,000 - $1.8 million+
  • Focus: High-risk, high-reward technological innovation.
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Business Oregon SBIR/STTR Support

To help Oregon companies compete for federal awards, Business Oregon offers state-level support grants. These are competitive and designed to supplement the federal programs.

  • Phase 0/00 Grants: Up to $5,000 to help pay for grant writers, consultants, or other costs associated with *preparing* a federal SBIR/STTR application.
  • Matching Grants (Phase I): Up to $50,000 to match a federally-awarded Phase I grant.
  • Matching Grants (Phase II): Up to $100,000 to match a federally-awarded Phase II grant.
Visit Business Oregon →

University Innovation Research Fund (UIRF)

This state fund provides matching funds for federal or other grants that support innovation and commercialization of technology from Oregon's public universities and OHSU. It's designed to help university-linked R&D projects secure large-scale funding.

  • Requirement: Projects must require a match of at least $250,000.
  • Focus: Must have a direct or potential connection to economic development in Oregon.

Commercialization Gap Fund (CGF)

This fund, managed by Business Oregon, is designed to bridge the early-stage funding gap for science and research-based innovations. It helps companies in targeted industries advance their technology toward commercialization.

USDA Rural Business Development Grants

This federal program provides grants to entities (like public bodies or non-profits) to support economic development and job creation in rural areas. Funds can be used for projects like feasibility studies and business planning, which can be essential for R&D-focused businesses.

Learn more →

Oregon R&D Tax Credit for Semiconductors

This is the primary R&D-specific entitlement program available in Oregon, effective January 1, 2024. It is *not* a grant but a tax credit you are entitled to if you meet the qualifications.

  • Eligibility: Only for "qualified semiconductor companies" conducting qualified research in Oregon.
  • Credit Amount: 15% of qualified research expenses that exceed a base amount.
  • Maximum Credit: Up to $4 million per year.
  • Refundable: The credit is partially refundable for companies with fewer than 3,000 Oregon employees (e.g., 75% refundable for companies with <150 employees).

Note: Oregon's *general* R&D tax credit expired in 2017. This new credit is specific to the semiconductor industry.

Federal R&D Tax Credit

In addition to any state-level incentives, Oregon businesses can also claim the federal R&D tax credit (formally the Credit for Increasing Research Activities). This is a valuable incentive that rewards companies for investing in research and development to improve products, processes, or software.

Learn more →

Business Oregon

The state's economic development agency. They are the primary contact for many state-level grants and business support programs, including the SBIR/STTR matching funds and the Commercialization Gap Fund.

Visit Business Oregon →

Oregon SBDC Network

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network offers free, confidential advising and resources to help businesses start, grow, and succeed. They provide critical support for grant proposals, including:

  • Advising on SBIR/STTR proposals.
  • Editing and review of draft proposals.
  • Help navigating the requirements of federal applications.
Find your local SBDC →

VertueLab

VertueLab is a nonprofit focused on supporting climate-tech and cleantech startups. They are a key resource in Oregon for entrepreneurs applying for SBIR/STTR grants, providing guidance and support to navigate the complex application process, often at no cost.

Visit VertueLab →

Innovate Collaborate Oregon (ICOregon)

A resource hub that lists various funding opportunities and innovation-focused news for the state. A good place to check for new and emerging grant programs.

See funding opportunities →