A PROJECT LED THROUGH THE REV

Oregon Frontier Regional Innovation Hub

2026 Eastern Oregon Innovation Jam

NEWS RELEASE / April 7, 2026 / REV CENTER

Students Win Awards with their Business Ideas 

Teams led by an Eastern Oregon University student and an alumnus won the Eastern Oregon Innovation Jam on April 4 for their innovative business ideas. 

EOU students Indy Gauthier and Jacob Sanchez won first place for their concept of a digestive supplement. Second place went to a team consisting of EOU alum Kellen Grant, and current EOU students Adam Smith and Addison Wickliffe for their idea of using an unmanned aircraft system to monitor livestock. Learn more >

Seeing is Believing

Invent Oregon is the state’s only college-level prototyping competition, providing the grants and guidance necessary to take a student team’s idea for positive impact through all stages of prototyping. Invent Oregon helps college students at all levels take their concept from an idea to reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Eastern Oregon Innovation Jam is a Regional Innovation Jam powered by InventOR, Oregon’s only statewide collegiate prototyping challenge. Using a lean startup approach, students develop confidence and competence in three core areas:

    • Design Thinking

    • Business Modeling

    • Storytelling & Pitching

    Students work in teams to explore problems worth solving, build and test early prototypes, and learn how to adapt ideas based on real user feedback.

    No prototype? No problem.
    The only requirement is curiosity and a willingness to try.

  • Students who take part in the Eastern Oregon Innovation Jam will:

    • Develop ideas that address real-world challenges

    • Learn by doing through a structured design-and-build sprint

    • Collaborate with peers from different disciplines and backgrounds

    • Gain access to mentors and industry professionals

    • Compete for advancement to InventOR 2026

    This experience is designed to meet students where they are—and help them see what’s possible.

  • Winning teams from each participating institution will advance to InventOR 2026, where they’ll receive:

    • 💡 $2,000 prototyping grant

    • ✈️ Travel, lodging, and meals covered for InventOR Bootcamp and Finals

    • 🤝 One-on-one guidance from a dedicated InventOR Advisor

    • 🎤 Pitch coaching and mentorship from industry experts

    • 🌱 Experiential entrepreneurship education at InventOR Bootcamp (May 1–3, Portland)

    • 🏆 A chance to compete for $30,000 in cash and prizes at the InventOR Finals Pitch Competition & Prototype Exhibition (June 26, 2026)

    In addition, the Eastern Oregon Innovation Jam will award:

    • $500 for first place

    • $250 each for second and third place

    • February 28: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

    • April 4: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

    • Between sessions:

      • 5–10 hours building a prototype with your team

      • 1–2 hours checking in with a mentor

    Big impact. Very reasonable time ask.

  • Faculty, professionals, and community leaders are invited to support student teams and help strengthen Eastern Oregon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    We’re seeking volunteers in the following roles:

    Mentors

    Help students build confidence and problem-solving skills by asking thoughtful questions, offering perspective, and encouraging iteration. Mentors guide students to fall in love with the problem—not the solution.

    Time commitment:

    • Feb. 28 | 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

    • Apr. 4 | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

    • 1–2 hours between sessions (virtual or in person)

    Business Model Canvas Instructors

    Guide teams through assessing the viability and sustainability of their ideas using the Business Model Canvas. Help students shift from “What if this works?” to “How does this create value?”

    Time commitment:

    • Feb. 28 | 2:00–4:00 p.m.

    • Optional: Apr. 4 | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

    Storytelling & Pitch Development Instructors

    Support students in communicating ideas clearly, confidently, and compellingly. This session emphasizes clarity and resonance over polish—because good ideas deserve to be understood.

    Time commitment:

    • Feb. 28 | 3:00–5:00 p.m.

    • Apr. 4 | 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

    Judges

    Serve on a judging panel to evaluate student teams and select those advancing to InventOR Finals. Judges assess prototypes, team progress, and potential impact through pitches and a public prototype exhibition.

    Time commitment:

    • Apr. 4 | 1:00–3:00 p.m.

  • Invent Oregon is a launchpad for the next generation of innovators. As Oregon’s only statewide collegiate prototyping challenge, InventOR empowers students to design solutions rooted in empathy, curiosity, and real user needs focusing on what people actually want, not just what sounds good.

  • Faculty interested in hosting a classroom visit or presentation are encouraged to reach out. January 14 is ideal for in-person visits; Zoom options are also available.

    Contact:
    Carter Gudell
    Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Builder
    Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub
    cgudell@revcenter.org | (860) 899-8395

  • The REV Center, home of the Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub, supports innovation-based entrepreneurs in Eastern Oregon by expanding access to resources, technical assistance, and funding. Hosting the Eastern Oregon Innovation Jam aligns directly with this mission and is made possible through support from Business Oregon.