columbia river pitch

columbia river pitch

Columbia River Pitch is part of the Pitch Oregon competition series, spotlighting innovative startups from Clark County, Washington and Multnomah County, Oregon.

Eligible competitors include entrepreneurs who either operate their business or reside in Clark or Multnomah County. Selected companies represent high-potential ventures with unique products or services designed to solve meaningful problems in national or global markets.

Participating companies have competed for equity investments, cash prizes, and in-kind services contributed by local partners. Beyond funding, the competition has served as a platform to elevate founder visibility among investors, ecosystem partners, and the broader community.

Columbia River Pitch is one of three Pitch Oregon competitions historically held across the Portland-metro region, including Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas, and Clark counties.

Scroll down for 2025 results and past competition winners.

For updates on future programs and events events page, or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.

** Investments will only be made if the winning companies and the investors agree to the terms and conditions of the investments **

THANK YOU FOR THE SUCCESSFUL EVENT!

2025 WINNERS

2025 Columbia River Pitch Finalists

  • DigiFab.ai is an AI consulting and education company founded by Dr. Isil Berkun, a former Intel staff AI engineer and recognized expert in artificial intelligence. This company specializes in empowering manufacturing and industrial businesses to adopt and integrate AI-driven solutions for smarter, more efficient operations.

  • Mickelberry Gardens specializes in natural wellness products inspired by the gifts of honeybees. Co-founded in 2011 by Madelyn Morris, the company crafts a range of herbal honey tonics, raw honey, beeswax-based skincare, oxymels, and bee pollen products, all made with whole food ingredients and a focus on self-care and holistic health. Their mission is to make affordable, healing herbal products accessible to individuals and families, while also promoting pollinator conservation and sustainable practices.

  • Ranger EV is a climate-tech startup focused on making electric vehicle (EV) charging accessible, easy, and profitable for hosts of vacation rentals, small businesses, and homeowners. Founded by Brian Clark, he and his team have developed a platform that allows property owners—such as Airbnb hosts, hotels, and RV parks—to turn any existing outlet or EV charger into a bookable, fee-based charging station for EV travelers, without requiring new hardware installations.

  • Skyfarer Academy is a modern aviation training platform that connects aspiring pilots with certified flight instructors (CFIs) and flight schools for both live online and in-person instruction. The platform, co-founded by Nick Tsang, is designed to make pilot training more accessible, and tailored to individual needs, serving students at all stages—from private pilot license (PPL) seekers to those pursuing advanced ratings like instrument, commercial, multi-engine, and even unmanned aerial systems.

  • Toast (a.k.a Toastwear) is an innovative outdoor apparel and technology company. Founded and led by a small team of engineers—including Technical Director Gerald Recktenwald, a retired Portland State University professor—Toast focuses on developing wearable devices designed to dynamically increase comfort in cold weather. Their products leverage engineering expertise to create solutions that help outdoor enthusiasts stay warm, combining advanced heating technology with practical, user-friendly design.

  • Yak Technologies, founded by Shannon Smith, is a modern audit and compliance platform designed to streamline and automate the audit process for firms and organizations. Yak focuses on making compliance for audits smarter, faster, and more efficient by reducing manual tasks and simplifying complex workflows. Key features include centralized, secure document management, one-click report generation, audit framework control management, seamless client collaboration, and a collaborative test paper editor for comprehensive documentation.

2025 FINALISTS

JUDGES

Dr. Yoanne Clovis, PhD
TiE Charter Member
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoanneclovis/

Carl Cox
TiE Charter Member
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carljcox/

SPECIAL GUESTS

JENNIFER REYES
IBRN Program Manager | Prosper Portland

ANNE MCENERNY-OGLE
Mayor | City of Vancouver

EMCEE

2024 Columbia River Pitch Pre-Seed Winner

2025 SPONSORS

If you are interested in supporting Columbia River Pitch, please contact Kari.Naone@oregon.tie.org

support columbia river pitch

Whether you plan to sponsor or contribute a tax-deductible donation, TiE Oregon/TiE Oregon Foundation ensures that your support is contributing to our next generation of innovators and strives to grow a workforce that understands the global marketplace and entrepreneurship.

Click below to make a donation, or contact Kari.Naone@oregon.tie.org for more information.

GET INVOLVED / CONTACT:

Kari Naone
TiE Oregon Executive Director
Kari.Naone@oregon.tie.org

2024 COLUMBIA RIVER PITCH WINNERS

2024 Columbia River Pitch Finalists

  • Make documents and presentations more engaging by adding audio or video narration. Add clarity and personalize any content you share. Learn more…

  • Nourish and indulge with vegan chocolate mousse that tastes like dairy. Learn more…

  • An AI Assistant for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. Learn more…

  • Producer of a direct therapeutic ultrasound device. Learn more...

  • The oil change that comes to you. Learn more…

  • An organic coffee substitute. Learn more...

Columbia River Pitch competition