October 2025 Newsletter: Projects, News & Events

Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) NOFO has been announced

Action Requested

Opt in as a Tech Hub Member

*NOTE: We are limited in the number of letters of support this round, so the Tech Hub membership affiliation is critical.

Optional: Select component project(s) to support in the coming weeks

Save the Date: Friday, Oct 31 — Review proposal materials with the Hub team

Opt in here

NOFO at a Glance

Competition Structure

• Stage I Preliminary Applications: Nov. 7, 2025
• Stage II Comprehensive Applications: Feb. 18, 2026
• Awards Announced: Spring 2026
• Period of Performance: 24–60 months
  

Eligibility: Only the 19 Tech Hubs designated in Oct 2023; Prior Consortium Accelerator Awardees; No previous implementation funding

Funding Details

• 2–5 component projects per Hub (workforce, business/entrepreneurship, technology maturation, infrastructure, governance)
• Focused on U.S. competitiveness, national security, and technology commercialization, with emphasis on taxpayer return and private sector participation

*Membership in the PNW Mass Timber Tech Hub is open to organizations, agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit partners in Oregon and Washington engaged across the full forest products and mass timber value chain — from forest management, harvest, and milling to design, manufacturing, and construction. This includes those providing products, services, innovation, or infrastructure that strengthen the regional mass timber and wood products ecosystem. Members share a commitment to working collaboratively to expand sustainable wood use, strengthen the regional mass timber industry, and position it for global competitiveness.

Consultant project updates

Mass Timber Market Assessment

The Market Study is complete! Learn more at our upcoming webinar on Tuesday, October 14th. This study will support the Hub in its proposal to the Economic Development Administration on Nov. 7th.

Webinar: Join us Tuesday, October 14th 3:00 - 4:00 PM (PST) for a virtual presentation to explore the report’s key learnings and implications. Register here.

Governance Framework

Given the urgency of the NOFO proposal, codifying the formal governance structure for the Tech Hub will occur after Nov. 7th. An interim structure has been proposed to support the PNW MTTH Tech Hub NOFO.

Click here to share feedback on the interim structure.

Capital Access Coordination

Because clear communication is comparatively more compelling to capital, we are seeking comments on an initial assessment of industry structure. This work illuminates and organizes the ecosystem to lower barriers to initial investment.

Click here to review and comment; thank you!

Click here for additional guidance on commenting.

Policy Engagement

Greg Wolf, Oregon iSector, is building the Hub’s collective policy voice. Keep an eye out here for more insights as this project takes off.

Reach out to Greg to learn more.

Events & Gatherings

Speaking proposals due Oct. 15 for International Mass Timber Conference [March 31- April 2, 2026 Portland, OR]

Submit your proposal by October 15th to the 2026 International Mass Timber Conference and join mass timber trailblazers in building better buildings and better mass timber businesses, while helping make the world a better place. Panelists address thousands of global professionals, shape vital conversations, and lead the charge in advancing sustainable, large-scale wood construction. Early Bird Registration is also open now.

With funding provided by the US Economic Development Administration to Oregon State University, we are laying the foundation for our shared vision of a globally competitive industry in mass timber.

— The PNW Mass Timber Tech Hub Team

Marcus Kauffman, ODF, Tech Hub Regional Innovation Officer (RIO)

Iain Macdonald, OSU, Hub Director