OBI Annual Startup Spotlight Expo

Startup Spotlight Expo 2025: Showcasing Innovation in Biotech & Life Sciences

Join us for an exciting evening of innovation, inspiration, and connection at the Annual Startup Spotlight Expo, hosted by the Oregon Bioscience Incubator. This can't-miss event highlights the groundbreaking work of OBI's resident startups in biotech, health, and life sciences.

Explore exhibits, meet the brilliant minds behind the science, and discover the technologies that are shaping the future of health and innovation. The evening will also feature a panel of industry experts discussing the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in biotech and life sciences.

Panel Discussion:

Elevating Oregon’s Innovation Spotlight: 

Celebrating Recent Lobbying Wins and Growth

This year’s Startup Spotlight Expo program features an insightful panel discussion, moderated by Maureen McGee, featuring industry leaders Tim Layton of Genentech, Mark Brady of Business Oregon, and Caitlin Vargas of Collaborative Economic Development Oregon. This discussion will highlight how recent lobbying efforts have significantly amplified support for Oregon’s innovation industry, resulting in a 33% increase in Centers of Innovation Excellence funding. 

Discover how these strategic wins are elevating Oregon’s profile as a hub for groundbreaking research, startups, and economic growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to see how targeted advocacy is fueling Oregon’s future as a leader in biotech and health innovation.

Maureen McGee, Moderator:

Maureen McGee is an attorney Of Counsel at Tonkon Torp, where she is Co-Chair of the firm’s Government Law and Disputes Group and a member of the State Government Relations & Public Policy Practice Group. Maureen has a deep knowledge of the Oregon legislative process and a wealth of technical and legal expertise in the policy arena, and utilizes her experience and relationships to offer comprehensive legal and government affairs services for corporate, nonprofit and local government clients engaging Oregon’s legislative and executive branches.

Before joining the firm in late 2021, Maureen served Oregon lawmakers for nine years, most recently as a Senior Deputy Legislative Counsel, providing nonpartisan legal services to the legislative assembly on a wide variety of legally and politically complex legislative discussions. She is a graduate of the University of Puget Sound and the University of Oregon School of Law.

Mark Brady, Panelist:

Mark Brady is the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Manager at Business Oregon, the State’s economic development agency, leading the team supporting the state’s entrepreneur’s and early-stage companies. Mark manages a budget of about $75 million per year and a team of staff who deploy those funds through a variety of innovation, entrepreneurship and capital programs. These programs help Oregon’s economic resiliency and diversification by supporting emerging companies in the state. Previously, Mark was an Innovation Strategist working with universities and others to turn research into new companies and jobs, managing the SBIR support program and leading the agency’s work with the Oregon Innovation Council. Mark has over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors and has master’s and bachelor’s engineering degrees from Columbia University and University of Miami, respectively.

Caitlin Vargas, Panelist:

Caitlin Vargas is a mission-driven economic development leader and community strategist dedicated to building inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems across Oregon. She is the Co-Founder and Vice President of Community Impact and Partnerships at the Collaborative Economic Development Organization (CEDO), where she architects initiatives that connect female founders to capital, mentorship, and networks.

Caitlin’s previous leadership at Onward Eugene and the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce included directing Oregon’s first accelerator to offer free childcare for women entrepreneurs; an innovative solution to a longstanding barrier. Earlier in her career, Caitlin held executive roles in the nonprofit sector, where she led communications, fundraising, branding, and strategic planning initiatives; her leadership helped elevate organizations such as Eugene Mission and Cornerstone Community Housing.

She has served on numerous boards including the Eugene Metro Futbol Club as President, the Oregon Bio Women Executive Committee, the Lane Transit District Board of Directors as President, the American Public Transportation Association Board, the Relief Nursery Leadership Board, the Bushnell University Center for Leadership and Ethics Advisory Board, the Board of Stewards at Looking Glass, and the Leadership Eugene-Springfield Steering Committee.

Caitlin earned her Master of Business Administration from Bushnell University and a Bachelor of Arts from Sonoma State University. She is a proud mother of four who all play competitive soccer, and she spends most weekends coaching and traveling to games, embracing the same passion, teamwork, and dedication she brings to her professional work.

Tim Layton, Panelist:

Tim Layton is a healthcare leader with over two decades of experience in state government affairs and advocacy. As the current Director of State Government Affairs, NW Region at Genentech, he leads legislative strategy to enhance patient access to therapies and champion the value of the bioscience industry. Prior to Genentech, he served as a Senior Director at the Washington State Medical Association, where he focused on legislative, regulatory, and legal affairs. 

Tim is a committed leader, serving on the executive committee of the Oregon Bioscience Association and as an advisor to the Montana Bioscience Alliance. Tim holds a Juris Doctor and a Masters of Public Administration from Syracuse University, and is a former elected school board member.

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