2026 Annual Conference - Excellence Awards

2026 Life Science Excellence Awards

The Oregon Life Sciences Excellence Awards recognize the people and organizations driving innovation, advancing economic and workforce development, and making a lasting impact across Oregon’s life sciences ecosystem.

Award recipients will be recognized during a special awards ceremony and reception at the Oregon Life Sciences 2026 Annual Conference, taking place September 23–24, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.

2026 Award Categories

• Life Science Entrepreneur of the Year
• Life Science Woman of the Year
• Life Science Legislator of the Year

Nominations Now Open

Nominations are open through June 19, 2026.

Submit a Nomination

Entrepreneur, Woman, and Legislator of the Year nominations are all submitted through the same form. 

About the Awards

Life Science Entrepreneur of the Year

Honors a founder or leader who has demonstrated exceptional vision, innovation, and resilience in bringing a life sciences product, service, or venture to life. Nominees should demonstrate leadership, company or ecosystem impact, and commitment to future growth within Oregon’s life sciences sector.

Life Science Woman of the Year

Recognizes a woman leader who has made significant contributions to Oregon’s life sciences ecosystem through scientific achievement, company leadership, mentorship, advocacy, innovation, or community impact.

Life Science Legislator of the Year

Recognizes a legislator who has demonstrated leadership and support for policies, initiatives, or investments that strengthen Oregon’s life sciences ecosystem and innovation economy.

Finalists will be invited to attend the Oregon Life Sciences 2026 Annual Conference on September 23–24, 2026, where award recipients will be recognized. 

How Nominations Work

Entrepreneur of the Year & Woman of the Year

Individuals may either self-nominate or be nominated by someone else.

If nominating another individual, nominators will be asked to briefly describe why they believe the nominee deserves recognition. After submission, the nominee will receive a follow-up email with instructions for completing their portion of the application. Nominees must complete the full application themselves in order to be eligible for consideration.

The identity of nominators will not be disclosed to nominees.

We encourage nominators to notify nominees directly and encourage them to complete the process before the nomination deadline.

Legislator of the Year

Legislator of the Year nominations may only be submitted by someone other than the nominee.

Key Dates

• Nominations Open: May 2026
• Nomination Deadline: June 19, 2026
• Finalists Announced: July 2026
• Awards Presented: September 23–24, 2026

2025 Award Recipients & Finalists

Information about the 2025 awards, finalists, and recipients can be found below as we continue updating the site with 2026 information.

View the 2025 awards finalists.