Propel PSU
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PSBA

PSBA — Portland State's Startup Accelerator.

We are Portland State's startup accelerator. We help startups on campus and beyond grow by leveraging university resources and providing specialized support for inventors, artists, and global founders.

Chat with Our Director→See What We Do ↓
01Our story

Let Knowledge Serve Ventures.

Founded in 2007, we are one of Oregon’s most established accelerators. Over the years, we've supported dozens of university spinouts and innovations and connected hundreds of companies to PSU’s research and talent base, helping produce standout successes like Jama Software, Absci, and ESS Inc.

Since 2018, PSBA startups have raised $40M+ during their time in the accelerator. Today, the PSBA complements Oregon’s vibrant startup ecosystem by focusing on specialized support for inventors, artists, and global entrepreneurs entering the US market.

Part of Propel PSU, the innovation and entrepreneurship arm of Portland State University.
02Who we serve

Who We Serve.

01

Front Door to PSU

We connect startups with Portland State’s labs, talent, research, and resources. Whether you’re licensing IP, hiring capstone teams, or accessing specialized facilities, we're available as a first point of contact for working with the university.

02

PSU Students

The Cube is a program for PSU students taking their project beyond the classroom. Get hands-on coaching, dedicated workspace, and a direct path to university resources, funding opportunities, and a founder community on campus.

Apply to the Cube→
03

Artists

From apparel designers to sign fabricators and digital creators, we back founders who focus on the beauty and craft they add to the world first, then build sustainable paths to scale.

04

Inventors

From university researchers to industry specialists, we support founders who understand that bringing transformative science to market takes years of focused R&D before launch.

05

Global Founders

For global founders entering the US market, we provide a landing pad in Oregon—helping you navigate local networks, regulatory frameworks, and American business development.

03What we do

What We Do.

Startup Coaching & Technical Assistance

01 WE GET YOU

Customer-Ready

Validate market demand, test prototypes with real users, secure early pilot agreements, and build repeatable sales channels.

02 WE GET YOU

Partner-Ready

Navigate licensing, supply chains, university tech transfer, and corporate partnerships with clear contracts and defensible IP.

03 WE GET YOU

Investment-Ready

Prepare non-dilutive grant applications, get pitch-ready for aligned angel and venture investors, and build a long-term capital strategy.

Specialties & Facilities

04

Physical Space

A home base for your company. We oversee 30,000+ square feet of co-working areas, private team offices, lab space, and maker spaces for hands-on creation.

Available Space→
05

Out-of-State Funding

We help you look beyond the local market—identifying capital opportunities, building investor assets, and executing targeted outreach with a specialty in out-of-state funding.

06

Soft Goods & Prototyping

Turn your concepts into tangible products. We provide access to prototyping equipment, fabrication tools, and specialized expertise in textiles, soft goods, and apparel.

Treehouse→
04THE TEAM

Led by operators who've done it.

Arsh Haque, Director of PSBA

Arsh Haque

DIRECTOR·LINKEDIN →

The PSBA is operated by experienced founders and backed by Portland State University leadership, faculty, and mentors. Our alumni network—who have raised a cumulative $180M and generated $75M in revenue—also play a vital role in mentoring and supporting new startups that join.

About the Director

Arsh is a serial founder who runs a VC-backed startup, PSU’s accelerator and VC fund, and manages an SBIR-focused university spinout program for the National Institutes of Health. They are a queer, mentally ill person of color who has helped raise $200M for startups, VCs, and non-profits.

05FAQ

Frequently asked questions

06Portfolio

Meet our founders.

Electron Robotics logo

Electron Robotics

Robert Toppel · Co-Founder & CEO

Low-code robotic manufacturing for food and electronics — pr0t0n, the adaptive automation layer.

Oregon Life Sciences logo

Oregon Life Sciences

Liisa Bozinovic · Executive Director

Building Oregon's bioscience workforce — 20+ years putting under-resourced people into thriving STEM careers.

StudentsBoat logo

StudentsBoat

Tarun Kumar Yerra · Co-Founder & COO

AI-matched housing for international students — verified, escrowed, and backed by local host families.

The Final Rose logo

The Final Rose

Eric Asakawa · Co-Founder

A 2026 PSU Cleantech Challenge finalist remixing reality-show mechanics into modern romance.

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OOregon Biotechnology Association
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RResume Scripter
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SShiddie Gear
SSponsor Community
PThe People Science Studio
TThe TOVA Company
TThrve
VVIV Wear
07Upcoming events

Come hang.

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08Talk to us

Curious if it's a fit? Let's chat.

Chat with Our Director→