Oregon Wave Energy Trust

Commercialization Program

Oregon Wave Energy Commercialization (OWEC) Program

The Oregon Wave Energy Commercialization (OWEC) Program accelerates the commercialization of ocean energy technologies developed by businesses that perform their work in Oregon. The program focuses on advancing a company’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL) according to U.S. Department of Energy guidelines and creating partnerships between industry and Oregon’s supply chain. The commercialization collaborations catalyzed by OWET stimulate Oregon’s economy and advances technology toward commercial viability and deployment.

The Commercialization Program supports promising ocean energy technologies that are at an early stage development. The program seeks to assist researchers, inventors, and entrepreneurs in activities that might include proof-of-concept demonstrations, laboratory validations, prototype development, small-scale pilot programs, technology trials, or market validation. These activities are designed to achieve the following objectives:

Expand the base of ocean energy research in Oregon
Support the transition of technology into industry
Provide university-based support in the form of lab resources, specialized expertise, and business development.
Accelerate the development of ocean energy in Oregon
Facilitate the formation of ocean energy companies in Oregon

OWEC helps commercialize technologies primarily focused on wave energy. The Commercialization Program has two main elements: 1) Commercialization Grants and 2) Commercialization acceleration support services provided by Oregon Wave Energy Trust staff and partners.

The goal of the grant program is to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative ocean energy technologies to provide a domestic source of clean, affordable energy that is both economical and ecologically responsible. OWET aims to further the sponsorship of current and necessary research, development, testing, evaluation, and demonstration of these emerging technologies, in order to effectively generate renewable and cost-effective electricity from ocean resources. Commercialization Grants help bridge the gap between traditional R&D funding sources and the availability of private investment. Grants can assist with activities such as licensing fees, permitting requirements, and site-specific feasibility studies.

The commercialization acceleration support services connect ocean energy companies with Oregon university graduate programs, supply chain, and industry partners to assist in making the transition through the technology readiness levels to commercial viability. OWET provides consulting and mentorship to assist in the areas of strategic business development, engineering, prototype testing, and intellectual property. OWET leverages a wide range of entrepreneur support services available from other entities and provides a focal point for the development of ocean energy devices and companies from start-ups to mature corporations.

OWET commercialization partners include:

Northwest Connectory
Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center
Pacific Northwest National Labs
Portland State University School of Business
Oregon Institute of Technology
Oregon State University
O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory

If you would like additional information about how your company can utilize the services and opportunities offered through the OWEC Program, please contact Oregon Wave Energy Trust at: owec@oregonwave.org

Apply to OWET’s Oregon Wave Energy Commercialization Program:

OWEC Grant Proposal Cover Page

OWEC Grant Program: Industry Commercialization

Resources:

Portland State – M3 Project – “M3 Wave Market Entry Strategy” (redacted version)
OWET Technology Readiness Assessment Quick Guide
DOE Technology Readiness Assessment Guide

Reaching Out

Did You Know?

Oregon is a leader in wave energy.

Oregon focuses on a collaborative model for getting wave energy projects in the water.

That Oregon’s Coastline is among a few places in the world that has the key elements to tap into wave energy?

That Oregon can enjoy an abundance of energy generated by ocean waves?

That our state contains internationally- recognized experts who are leading efforts to responsibly develop wave energy?

That Oregon has capacity to build, maintain and deliver sustainable wave energy power to the grid?

Have You Heard?

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Membership

Join Us.

Become a member for Oregon’s future.

Why support Oregon Wave Energy Trust?

Wave energy is one key part of the comprehensive alternative energy solution for Oregon. And thanks to a combination of unique characteristics is the only source of energy where Oregon enjoys such a clear competitive advantage. As a result, Oregon’s wave energy industry provides myriad opportunities to deliver significant economic benefits to the state.

Oregon Wave Energy Trust (OWET) works closely with our state- wide stakeholders: fishing and environmental groups, coastal communities and industry, government agencies and other partners in responsibly developing this new industry while establishing Oregon as the North American leader in wave energy. The work that we do is the real benefit we offer our members.

Our Founding Partners

Oregon Wave Energy Trust was funded in part with Oregon State Lottery Funds administered by the Oregon Business Development Department. It is one of six Oregon Innovation Council initiatives supporting innovation and long term economic growth.