From Competitors to Leaders: InventOR Alumni Reflect on a Decade of Innovation

One of the most memorable moments of the 10th Annual InventOR Finals wasn't a pitch or an award ceremony—it was hearing directly from the entrepreneurs who helped shape InventOR's legacy.

As part of this year's celebration, five InventOR alumni returned to the stage for a special panel discussion, sharing how the program influenced their entrepreneurial journeys and helped prepare them for opportunities far beyond the competition.

Representing nearly a decade of InventOR history, the panel featured:

• Skyler Pearson – NexGarden | 2017 InventOR Winner

• Dagan Kay – Produce Mate | 2018 InventOR Winner

• Ashlei Morgan – The Reclaimers | 2019 InventOR Winner

• Blake Turner – Turner Automotive | 2018 InventOR Second Place

• Mark Morrison – Cold Connect | 2025 InventOR Visionary Award Winner
  

Throughout the conversation, each alum reflected on how InventOR challenged them to think differently, refine their ideas, and grow as entrepreneurs. They spoke about the value of customer discovery, mentorship, and presenting their ideas to experienced judges—skills that have continued to serve them long after Finals day.

More than just a competition, InventOR gave each of them the opportunity to build confidence, strengthen their communication skills, and connect with mentors and fellow innovators who helped shape their entrepreneurial journeys. While every founder's path has been different, one message remained consistent: the lessons learned through InventOR extended far beyond the competition itself.

One story that perfectly captured the spirit of the program was that of Blake Turner.

After competing in InventOR in 2018 and earning Second Place with Turner Automotive, Blake continued building his career in Oregon's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Today, he serves as the Assistant Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Portland State University—the very department that organizes and hosts InventOR each year.

As InventOR celebrates its 10th anniversary, stories like these highlight the program's lasting impact. The competition is more than a weekend of pitches and awards—it's a launchpad for students to develop entrepreneurial skills, build lasting relationships, and become part of a growing network of innovators across Oregon.

To Skyler, Dagan, Ashlei, Blake, and Mark: thank you for returning to share your experiences, your advice, and your continued support of the InventOR community. Your willingness to give back inspires the next generation of entrepreneurs and demonstrates the lasting impact of the InventOR experience.

As we look ahead to the 2027 InventOR program, we look forward to welcoming a new cohort of innovators, continuing to build Oregon's entrepreneurial community, and creating more stories that come full circle.