When you think of pioneering technology hubs fueling world-changing innovation, images of Silicon Valley likely spring to mind first. However, Oregon has steadily nurtured its own thriving community of hardware manufacturers, software developers, and internet disruptors powering tremendous economic growth.
Let‘s explore the ascent of Oregon‘s "Silicon Forest" and highlight some standout companies putting the Beaver State firmly on the map as a premier destination for tech talent and investment. You may be surprised just how deep Oregon‘s technology roots run!
Oregon by the Numbers: A Sturdy Foundation for Tech
While much of the world‘s attention fixates on Silicon Valley, the data reveals that Oregon has quietly built technology into a core pillar of its broader economy:
- Over $28 billion in annual IT output, 3rd highest nationally on a per capita basis
- Home to over 5,500 tech companies collectively employing 75,000+ Oregonians
- Intel‘s largest concentration of facilities located in Oregon
- Portland rated 6th among Best Cities for STEM Professionals (WalletHub)
Clearly, Oregon offers startups and enterprises alike the resources and talent pipelines crucial for innovation and growth. But which specific companies and technologies have fueled Oregon‘s ascent?
The Pioneers: Intel, Nike, and Planar Systems
Any discussion of Oregon‘s tech ecosystem begins with Intel, the silicon chip behemoth now ubiquitous worldwide across countless consumer and commercial devices. Seeking room for rapid expansion beyond Silicon Valley, Intel broke ground on its first Oregon facility in 1974. Fast forward to today, and Intel maintains its largest concentration of facilities within Oregon – underscoring the state‘s importance to Intel‘s global infrastructure.
Beyond Intel, sports apparel and technology giant Nike was founded in Oregon in 1964 and retains its global headquarters within the state. Nike consistently leverages cutting-edge manufacturing techniques like 3D knitting and sustainable materials to maintain dominance across the ultra-competitive athletic shoe and clothing markets.
Display screen innovator Planar Systems likewise began operations in Oregon in 1983 and continues headquarters in Hillsboro. By integrating overseas supply chain assets spanning Asia, Planar develops specialized LCD systems purpose-built for demanding military, industrial, and medical applications.
Current Tech Giants: Semiconductors, Software, and Networks
Building upon those pioneers, a new generation of Oregon-based tech giants now generate billions in annual revenues across hardware and software spheres:
| Company | Location | Annual Revenue | Segment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lattice Semiconductor | Hillsboro | $404 Million | Semiconductors |
| Radisys | Hillsboro | $372 Million | Network Infrastructure |
| PSC Scanning | Eugene | $260 Million | Data Capture Hardware |
Examining that list reveals Oregon‘s strengths across semiconductors, telecom equipment, and ruggedized hardware purpose-built to serve demanding enterprise environments.
Hillsboro-based Lattice Semiconductor, for example, leverages strong chip-level capabilities to drive robust revenues from solutions targeting industrial automation, communications infrastructure, and sensors supporting internet-connected device networks.
Oregon‘s Next Tech Giants: Homegrown Momentum
Beyond the established names above, a variety of disruptive Oregon-based startups show serious potential to achieve unicorn status (over $1 billion valuation) over the coming decade:
Digimarc Corp
Beaverton‘s Digimarc represents the undisputed leader in subtly embedding identifying watermarks within media content and physical products. Adoption across banknotes, government IDs, and brand packaging hint at burgeoning new revenue streams as more objects gain digital intelligence.
SheerID
Eugene‘s SheerID developed an intelligent identity marketing platform allowing B2C companies to instantly validate customers against authoritative sources to unlock gated offers. With over 200 employees and a client roster including Amazon and Home Depot, SheerID‘s future looks bright.
Webtrends
A pioneering Portland developer of web analytics, testing and personalization software since 1993, Webtrends provides businesses with the user insights necessary to thrive among fierce eCommerce competition. Their proven track record of innovation positions them well to capitalize on booming interest in digital experience optimization.
The Outlook: Continued Growth on Tap
Given the technology leadership and youthful exuberance on display today throughout Oregon‘s Silicon Forest, I‘m extremely bullish on the state‘s ability to drive future prosperity through tech innovation. Abundant capital, elite research universities, and lifestyle appeal should attract ever-increasing pools of talent to Oregon‘s flourishing ecosystem.
In my view, globally impactful technologies are as likely to emerge from Portland or Eugene over the coming decades as traditional mainstays like Silicon Valley – meaning savvy investors should absolutely keep the Beaver State‘s startups and innovators firmly on their radar!
