Oregon Metals Initiative (OMI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to supporting Oregon’s metal manufacturing ecosystem with research money and partnership opportunities with Oregon’s leading research universities.

Since 1990, the OMI has supported Oregon’s metals sector by leveraging state dollars and our public research universities to partner with local metals companies to conduct research into metals, metals manufacturing, and metals product design.

OMI has developed into a dynamic public/private partnership – governed by a 7-member board of directors – that opens the door for Oregon metals companies to conduct R&D using a 1-for-1 match of state dollars and use academic guidance, equipment, and faculty expertise from Oregon State University, Portland State University, OIT and others.

Our objectives include:

• Developing new technologies and new applications of existing technologies here in Oregon;
• Increasing metals research capacity, accessibility, and infrastructure;
• Encourage collaboration on research between the metals industry and Oregon’s scientific research institutions; and
• Improve the competitive position of Oregon’s metals industry.

These objectives are met through joint industry-academic research projects funded by industry with a 1:1 match from the state.

1. The Oregon legislature funds the Oregon Metals Initiative account ($1.936 million for the 2021-23 biennium). The account is housed in Business Oregon.
2. Interested companies work with one of Oregon’s research institutions to develop project proposals.
3. Project proposals are reviewed by OMI’s Board of Directors.
4. Approved proposals are eligible for 1:1 matching funds.