Meet the 2026 InventOR Finalists

After an incredible weekend at InventOR Bootcamp 2026, 20 finalist teams from colleges and universities across Oregon are officially moving on to the next stage of the competition.

Representing 20 different institutions from across the state, these student innovators are tackling real-world problems through engineering, healthcare, sustainability, consumer products, accessibility, and entrepreneurship. Over the next 10 weeks, each team will receive $2,000 in grant funding to continue developing their ideas before presenting at the InventOR Finals this June.

From assistive technology and healthcare innovation to outdoor recreation and smart consumer products, this year’s cohort showcases the creativity and impact of Oregon’s next generation of innovators. 2026 InventOR Finalist Teams

Clackamas Community College – Spotzhole

Team Members: Kellan Green, Cecilia Williams

Spotzhole is a sensor that attaches to the front of a vehicle to detect potholes and collect location data, automatically sending reports to the appropriate government agencies for road maintenance and repair.

Klamath Community College – ChloroPal

Team Members: Cliff Foster, George Neufeld

ChloroPal is a modular indoor planter system designed for residential spaces, featuring independently controlled growing rows with customizable lighting and watering systems for flexible indoor gardening.

Lewis & Clark College – Hot Take

Team Members: Samphasnearyroth “Nero” Chau, Bryce Lloyd

Hot Take is a portable drink-heating technology designed to keep beverages warm on the go, combining thermal engineering with portability for everyday use.

Lewis & Clark College – Insertact

Team Members: Thoan Nguyen, Ishan Abraham

Insertact is developing a precision-guided device that helps users safely and hygienically handle contact lenses in one smooth motion.

Linn-Benton Community College – Swift Lock

Team Members: Brian Cortez-Cabezas

Swift Lock is a magnet-operated belt system designed for elderly and disabled individuals, prioritizing accessibility and ease of adjustment.

Mt. Hood Community College – Soothe Systems

Team Members: Zoe Griffin

Soothe Systems is a discreet wearable bracelet that uses soft haptic feedback to guide breathing exercises and help users manage stress privately in real time.

Oregon Health & Science University – EaziStep

Team Members: Joshua Vanderpool

EaziStep is developing offloading footwear technology to reduce discomfort and improve endurance for people living with chronic ankle pain.

Oregon Health & Science University – Surgi-Lift

Team Members: Tim Valuev

Surgi-Lift is an ergonomic support system designed to reduce physical strain and injury caused by lead vests worn in operating and procedure rooms.

Oregon Institute of Technology – Dec Vac

Team Members: Toby Ruston

Dec Vac is a one-step deck-cleaning solution that attaches to a standard shop vacuum to remove debris between deck boards efficiently.

Oregon Institute of Technology – Luma Dental Technology

Team Members: Diego Garcia

Luma Dental Technology is a smart heated oral mirror that eliminates fogging during dental procedures by warming the mirror to body temperature.

Oregon State University Cascades – Cascade Safety Systems

Team Members: Jared Messersmith, Makani Hiltner

Cascade Safety Systems is developing a device that detects when skiers or snowboarders become trapped in tree wells and automatically alerts others.

Oregon State University Cascades – Cedar Dog Collar

Team Members: Corwin Carr

Cedar is a premium smart dog collar that provides real-time activity tracking, behavioral insights, and lost-mode recovery with no subscription required.

Oregon State University – PNW Assistive Technology

Team Members: Alex Lind, Torin Campbell-Kaswell, Callaway Macovis, Palmer Campbell-Kaswell, Jake Enos, Anastasia Kaurova, Sander Moffitt

PNW Assistive Technology develops adaptive mobility devices and toys for children with disabilities, helping improve accessibility and physical therapy opportunities across the Pacific Northwest.

Portland Community College – Tail Gate

Team Members: Felicia Bernier-Schliebe

Tail Gate is a secure doggie-door enclosure system that gives pets safe outdoor access while providing owners with peace of mind.

Portland State University – Shiddie Gear

Team Members: Piper Easton, Avé Gray

Shiddie Gear creates technical outdoor apparel designed with human-centered fit mapping to better serve sailors, skiers, and outdoor athletes.

Portland State University – The Final Rose

Team Members: Eric Asakawa, Evangeline Van, Owen Swifter

The Final Rose is an improv-based tabletop card game inspired by reality TV dating culture, designed to create a safe and playful environment for practicing dating and communication skills.

Southern Oregon University – The Harmonizers

Team Members: Daniel Messing

Harmonize is a music platform focused on helping smaller and local artists gain visibility and market their content without being overshadowed by major artists.

Southwestern Oregon Community College – TempREFLEX

Team Members: Emmanuel Salinas, Jomar Molina

TempREFLEX helps prevent spoilage by alerting users when perishable items or temperature-sensitive medications are left at unsafe temperatures.

Umpqua Community College – Verdantally

Team Members: Michael Watson

Verdantally is developing a modular electric vehicle battery system designed to simplify repairs, improve efficiency, and reduce battery waste.

Willamette University – Black Box Inventory AI

Team Members: Kyra Adamson, Ethan Bucy

Black Box Inventory AI helps nonprofits digitize and organize unstructured donations through AI-powered inventory tracking and management.

Looking Ahead to Finals

Over the next 10 weeks, these teams will continue building, testing, and refining their projects with the support of InventOR mentors, workshops, and $2,000 in grant funding.

The journey all leads to the InventOR Finals 2026 on June 26, 2026, hosted at Oregon State University Cascades in Bend.

Teams will compete live on stage for over $30,000 in prize funding as they pitch their innovations to judges, investors, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from across Oregon’s startup ecosystem.

Tickets and event information are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1987564555088?aff=oddtdtcreator