High Desert Innovation Week

The High Desert Innovation Fest is a unique event where aspiring entrepreneurs from across the Pacific Northwest get the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas and network with a diverse audience of founders, investors, entrepreneurial organizations, and members of the general public interested in the startup ecosystem. At its core, this event is a chance to bring together the startup and entrepreneurial communities together with industry groups and investors to network across verticals and organizations. As a kickoff to innovation week, the High Desert Innovation Fest showcases Central Oregon as a center of innovation and entrepreneurship.

BOW Bootcamp:
BOW, the nation’s first outdoor industry accelerator, now in its eleventh year of operation, kicks off Wednesday with BOW BootCamp, a series of educational sessions designed to equip startup businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to reach the next level. This year’s sessions will focus on sales, funding, and founders’ stories, featuring in-depth panel discussions with time for Q&A. The panels will include top industry experts from well-known brands, and attendees can sign up for individual sessions or all three.
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BOW Breakout:
BOW’s eigth annual BreakOut pitch event, created exclusively for the outdoor industry, will feature four early- and growth-stage companies from BOW’s most recent cohort to present their businesses as they compete for a $10,000 no-strings-attached cash award. The winner will be determined by an audience vote. The entertainment continues with a keynote presentation.

As Central Oregon’s flagship entrepreneurship event, BVC creates an opportunity to connect investors and industry leaders with startups looking to scale. Thursday’s agenda kicks off with pre-conference education seminars focused on strengthening startup business foundations across industries. Following the seminars, attendees will watch as finalists in the Early Stage Track deliver fast-paced, three-minute pitches on stage at the Tower Theatre. The evening ends with the BVC Networking Reception at Broken Top Club, Central Oregon’s biggest networking event of the year.

Bend Venture Conference is the largest and longest standing angel investment conference in the Pacific Northwest. Each year, a new BVC Growth Fund is raised to invest in the most promising growth stage companies that compete in the annual conference. BVC has served as a catalyst to mobilize capital for participating companies and since its inception, investments and awards to participating startups have totaled over $14 million. Friday’s agenda will feature startup pitches by BVC New Economy and Growth Stage finalists, as well as presentations from industry experts. The two-day event ends with an awards ceremony at Bend Brewing Company.

After Party

Wrapping up the week of events, Bend Outdoor Worx (BOW) invites the community to join them in celebrating and connecting with fellow attendees, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who have contributed to establishing Central Oregon as a thriving hub of innovation.Speaking on behalf of the committee of organizers, Kyle McLeod “High Desert Innovation Week continues to evolve as a cornerstone event for Central Oregon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. As more entrepreneurial groups emerge and our community grows, the opportunities in Central Oregon are more abundant than ever. From outdoor products to tech and natural goods, this region is proving to be an extraordinary place to nurture and scale innovative businesses. We’re excited to see how this week’s events will inspire and shape the future of entrepreneurship in Central Oregon.”