Oregon State University – Cascades will host a meeting Feb. 4 for business and real estate leaders to discuss plans for an innovation district on the Bend campus.
The session, called a “market sounding,” will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. in Edward J. Ray Hall on the OSU-Cascades campus and also be presented virtually. The session is free, but registration is required.
The concept of a 24-acre innovation district was approved by the city of Bend as part of the campus planning effort in 2018. The first phase of the district will encompass eight acres.
The district will bring university researchers and businesses together to accelerate the creation of technology, provide hands-on opportunities to enhance students’ career-readiness and contribute to the region’s economy and workforce.
The innovation district will be located in the northeast corner of the 128-acre university campus and include academic space, light industrial space, office space, restaurants and retail stores, event and performing arts spaces, and housing and outdoor gathering areas.
During the meeting, participants will hear how university innovation districts have contributed to local economies in other communities around the country. They will also learn about opportunities to develop real estate or locate a business within the OSU-Cascades Innovation District. Presenters include representatives from OSU-Cascades, the Bend Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development for Central Oregon and Fratzke Commercial Real Estate Developers.
To learn more or register, visit osucascades.edu/innovation-district or contact innovationdistrict@osucascades.edu.
About OSU-Cascades: Oregon State University’s campus in Bend brings higher education to Central Oregon, the fastest growing region in the state. Surrounded by 2.5 million acres of mountains and high desert, OSU-Cascades is a top-tier research university where small classes accelerate faculty-student mentoring. Degree programs meet industry and economic needs in areas such as innovation and entrepreneurship, natural ecosystems, health and wellness, and arts and sciences, and prepare students for tomorrow’s challenges. OSU-Cascades is expanding to serve 3,000 to 5,000 students, building a 128-acre campus with net-zero goals.