Oregon Tech successfully concluded its second annual Ready, Set, Innovate event in Klamath Falls, bringing together students, mentors, and volunteers to foster innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in the local community [93e5ebdc][8a438d7f]. The event provided a platform for students from various schools and colleges to engage in creative problem-solving and develop team-based approaches for tackling real-world challenges [8a438d7f]. Design-thinking workshops were led by Michael Donarski, Chief Operations Officer at Cascade Health Alliance, and the keynote speaker was Grant Kennon, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer/Chief Strategy Officer of Sky Lakes Office of Strategy and Innovation [8a438d7f]. The event was sponsored by Cascade Health Alliance and Sky Lakes Office of Strategy and Innovation, with contributions from the Klamath County Economic Development Association and South Central Oregon Economic Development District [8a438d7f]. Ready, Set, Innovate aims to inspire and nurture the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit within the local student community [8a438d7f].
In a similar vein, DESIGNxRI, a nonprofit economic development organization, is launching its Fall Design Catalyst program in Rhode Island [c630bd24]. The program offers a competitive grant opportunity, mentorship, professional development training, and networking for creative and design-based businesses [c630bd24]. The program will be hosted at Innovate Newport for the first time, providing accessibility and support for creative entrepreneurship on Aquidneck Island [c630bd24]. The deadline for applications has been extended exclusively to Aquidneck Island residents until May 19th, 2024 [c630bd24]. Selected businesses can receive seed capital ranging from $1,500 to $15,000 [c630bd24]. The program also includes business mentorship, professional development intensives, peer-to-peer networking, financial coaching, and access to Innovate Newport's co-working space [c630bd24]. The Fall Design Catalyst program aims to contribute to Rhode Island's vibrant creative economy [c630bd24].