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Innovation Takes Center Stage at the 2025 Oregon Tech Awards

On May 5, 2025, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland buzzed with excitement as the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) hosted the 41st annual Oregon Technology Awards. This prestigious event celebrated the state's most innovative tech companies, visionary educators, and promising students, highlighting the vibrant growth of Oregon's technology sector.

The evening honored 23 finalists across nine categories, culminating in eight standout companies receiving top accolades. Notably, Exterro, a leader in data risk management solutions, was named Enterprise Tech Company of the Year for its unified, AI-driven platform that addresses challenges in e-discovery, digital forensics, and data privacy 

In collaboration with Techstart, TAO also recognized two Students of the Year and three outstanding teachers fromall across Oregon celebrating their contributions to shaping the future of technology.

The awards ceremony featured a cocktail reception, dinner, and an after-party, providing attendees with ample opportunities for networking and celebration.

For a complete list of winners and more information about the event, visit the Technology Association of Oregon's official website: Tech Awards 2025.

Why Oregon Must Invest in Computer Science Education—Now

Computer science education is essential to Oregon’s future. It equips students with critical skills like problem-solving, logical thinking, and digital literacy—tools they need to thrive in today’s tech-driven world. From safe technology use to informed participation in the digital economy, these skills are more than useful—they're necessary.

Beyond the classroom, computer science powers innovation across nearly every industry. It’s also one of Oregon’s largest and fastest-growing economic sectors, offering well-paying jobs and opportunities. And even for students who don’t plan on becoming software engineers, a foundation in computer science prepares them for a wide range of careers.

Despite all this, Oregon currently allocates zero dollars to computer science education. According to Code.org’s 2024 State of Computer Science report, Oregon ranks second to last in the nation when it comes to policies that support computer science in schools.

There is hope. In December 2023, the Oregon Department of Education released a comprehensive plan for expanding computer science education. But for this plan to become a reality, we need legislative support—and funding.

Thankfully, Senator Janeen Sollman has stepped up. She introduced Senate Bill 541, along with an amendment, to fund and implement this plan. The bill is now in the hands of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, and your voice could make all the difference.

Here’s how you can help:
Contact the committee members and urge them to support and fund SB 541. Legislators listen to their constituents, and every email counts. The more support they hear, the more likely they are to take action.

Let’s make sure Oregon students are prepared for the future. Speak up for computer science education—today. More details here

New Member Benefit: 15% Off PSU’s Customer Success Program
TAO members—are you ready to level up your customer success skills?

Portland State University’s (PSU) Center for Executive and Professional Education’s Customer Success Program kicks off May 28, 2025! This fully online, non-credit, 6-week course blends live weekly sessions, independent learning, and insights from industry experts to equip professionals with the tools needed to thrive in one of the nation’s fastest-growing roles.Please note:  PSU’s Customer Success development programs use a "pass or no-pass" grading system and won't grant college credit. 

As part of our long-standing partnership with PSU, we’re thrilled to offer TAO members 15% off registration. Whether you're looking to enhance your team’s client support strategy or develop your own customer success expertise, this program is a valuable opportunity.

Interested in the discount code?

Contact Jeahna Atangan, TAO’s Membership and Community Engagement Manager, at jeahna.atangan@techoregon.org.   Program details can be found here:  Details PSU program

Partner Spotlight

We’re excited to announce a new partnership between TAO and Portalus, bringing exclusive operational support benefits to our members. Portalus delivers workforce solutions and business services to trade associations nationwide, helping companies streamline essential operations like healthcare, 401(k), HR, payroll, insurance, and bookkeeping. By removing the administrative burden, Portalus empowers you to focus on what matters most—growing your business.

Why it matters:
Running a tech business is no small feat. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Portalus to deliver tailored, cost-effective solutions that help small and mid-sized tech companies like yours streamline operations, save money, and scale smarter.

What you get:

• Tools to boost operational efficiency
  
  
• Services designed specifically for tech SMBs
  
  
• A path to long-term growth — without added overhead

More details here

TAO Community Events:

• May 13th, 2025 - Raising capital is tough—especially in AI. That’s why TAO’s AI & Data Community is bringing top investors and ambitious founders together during Portland Startup Week for an afternoon of real talk, real connections, and real opportunity.  Space if limited so Register now:   Here 

• June 12, 2025 - Curious about crypto? Building something new? Trying to keep up with the latest trends? Join us for the Digital Asset State of the Union— TAO’s Fintech Community, live panel discussion where we’ll break down what’s happening now in the digital asset space, what’s changing fast, and what you really need to know.  Register now: Here 

May 19 - 20th, 2025 - Oregon Innovation Showcase:  TAO is part of the Ecosystem Partner Showcase and we hope to see you at this event.  Register now:  More Details  

June 11 - 13th, 2025 - AI in the West: Oregon’s Role in Shaping the Future of AI

TAO is proud to support AI in the West, a flagship conference on value-add artificial intelligence, happening June 11–13 in Bend, Oregon.

This 3-day event brings together top minds in AI, from enterprise leaders to early-stage builders — and the Pacific Northwest will be well represented. We’re excited to see TAO members like Greg Petrossian and Shawn Duffy featured among a standout lineup of speakers pushing AI innovation forward.

Whether you're building with AI, evaluating solutions for your business, or simply want to stay ahead of what’s next, this is the room to be in.

TAO Members receive 10% off registration with the code: TAO10

 Learn more and register

Check out our Job Board @ TAO Job Board