Lane County has a great deal of entrepreneurial talent and the technology sector has evolved to become an important part of the regional economy.

Research activity at the UO and other local research institutes is generating commercializable technology in areas such as biosciences, human development, advanced materials, education and language assessment, and information technology.

And importantly, the UO is converting research funding into start-ups. The UO ranks among the nation's top research institutions in creating new start-ups per research dollar expended.

To capture this and other entrepreneurial activity, the UO operates the Riverfront Innovation Center to assist start-ups and spin-offs by providing research and lab space for emerging technology-based companies to develop their ideas and technologies.

Due to the demand, planning is underway to expand facilities and services. Funded through a grant by Lane County, a feasibility analysis, completed by Claggett Wolfe Associates and a business plan, developed by KJ Smith Associates, have been completed. These documents may be viewed at "Market Feasibility Study for Business Incubation Opportunities in Lane County" and "Business Plan for a Technology Incubator."