The first-of-its-kind, statewide initiative aims to support early-stage founders building innovative, AI-first companies.
Please share this article!
A coalition of Oregon’s top innovation and academic institutions announced on November 17th, Oregon AI AcceleratorThis is a first-of-its-kind, statewide initiative aimed at supporting early-stage founders building innovative, AI-first companies.
Supported by seed funding from Google and supported by Metro Regional Innovation Hub, Portland State University, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon State University, Oregon Entrepreneurship Network, Oregon Technology Association, and TiE Oregon., Accelerator is scheduled to launch its first pilot in February 2026.
We will gather on the program Twenty early-stage AI startups will offer a three-month hybrid accelerator experience combining in-person sessions and virtual programming in Portland. Participants will receive mentorship, validation support, and access to Oregon’s thriving innovation ecosystem without giving up any equity. – and compete for up to $50,000 in equity-free grants.
“This program is about much more than accelerating startups, it’s about helping Oregon’s small and medium-sized businesses compete and grow in the age of AI,” said Katie Bowman, manager of community development and engagement programs at Google. “By investing in entrepreneurs and connecting them to resources across the state, we are helping Oregon remain a place where innovation can drive broad economic opportunity.”
Oregon AI Accelerator Oregon AI Bootcamptrained more than 40 founders in June, demonstrating strong demand in the region for deeper, hands-on support. The new Accelerator extends that model with a comprehensive program designed to help founders refine their business model, strengthen their technical capabilities, and prepare for investment.
“This initiative represents the spirit of collaboration that characterizes Oregon’s innovation community,” said Joseph Janda, assistant vice president for innovation at PSU. “By bringing together academia, industry, and investors, we are building a powerful platform for founders to build scalable companies that reflect Oregon values of innovation, equity, and impact.”
The program is coordinated by the Metro Region Innovation Hub. The Metro Regional Innovation Hub is part of Business Oregon’s statewide network of regional innovation hubs dedicated to maximizing support for innovation-based entrepreneurs.
“The Oregon AI Accelerator is a model for how public, private, and academic partners can work together to make Oregon a true leader in responsible, human-centered AI innovation,” added Jack Huang, incoming director of the Oregon AI Accelerator Program..
Applications are now open for the Oregon AI Accelerator Ends November 17, 2025 December 15, 2025. The pilot cohort will run from February 2nd to May 15th, 2026. Startups from anywhere are welcome to apply, but at least 50% of the cohort will be based in Oregon to ensure strong local impact and growth.
“This accelerator would not have been possible without the generous support of Google and the dedication of our partner organizations,” said Carla Turano, executive director of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network. “Together, we are building the foundation for Oregon to emerge as a global hub for AI innovation, where founders can grow and meaningful technology can take root.”
Support for the Oregon AI Accelerator continues our efforts in Oregon. Google, which has a data center in The Dalles and an office in downtown Portland, has invested more than $2 billion in Oregon since 2006. Through its tools and products, the company has also helped generate $8.6 billion in economic activity for Oregon businesses and nonprofits.
About the Oregon AI Accelerator
The Oregon AI Accelerator is a collaborative initiative that brings together Oregon’s leading technology organizations, investors, and universities to launch and scale AI startups. Accelerators enable early-stage founders to build globally competitive companies while staying grounded in their values of innovation, equity, and community impact. For more information, please visit www.oregoniaccelerator.com.
About Metro Regional Innovation Hub
The mission of the Metro Regional Innovation Hub is to provide entrepreneurs in the Portland area with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed. The hub exists to foster collaboration between entrepreneurs and business service providers to ensure mutual trust and access to critical resources as we work together to build a stronger, more inclusive innovation ecosystem in the Portland Metro region. For more information, visit www.portlandmetrohub.org.
