Mary Phillips

About Mary Phillips

I bridge the gap between breakthrough science and market-ready success.As the Partnership Manager for the Cascades West Innovation Hub, my mission is to build a thriving ecosystem in Oregon\'s Linn, Lane, Lincoln, and Benton counties where universities, investors, and government entities align to support high-growth, innovation-driven businesses.What I Do:I specialize in helping deep-tech and \"traded sector\" entrepreneurs navigate the complex path from the lab, kitchen, or garage to the marketplace. Whether it’s securing non-dilutive capital or refining a commercialization strategy, I provide the roadmap for startups to scale without losing their equity.My Core Expertise:Federal Funding: I’ve helped entrepreneurs secure over $6M in SBIR/STTR funding. I currently lead a 12-week Grant Readiness program for the Oregon UAS Accelerator to demystify federal grants.Entrepreneurial Grit: As the co-founder of Qualtura Biotech, I’ve lived the founder’s journey firsthand. Building a microbiome startup was easily one of the hardest—and most rewarding—challenges of my career. That experience, combined with my time at an early-stage life science company, allows me to provide founders with advice rooted in reality, not just theory.Strategic IP: As a USPTO Registered Patent Agent with a PhD in Physical Chemistry (Imperial College London), I translate complex technical IP into viable business assets.Community & Mentorship:I am a firm believer in \"paying it forward.\" I actively mentor founders at the Oregon Bioscience Incubator and the OSU Advantage Accelerator, helping the next generation of innovators find their footing.Outside the Office:You’ll usually find me training for my next ultramarathon in the MacDonald and Dunn forests. I’m a firm believer that the persistence required for a 50k is the same persistence required to build a world-changing startup.Let’s connect if you’re interested in innovation ecosystems, deep-tech funding, or the future of Oregon’s traded sector.

Experience

1. Founder

   Stemmbridge Llc

   Apr 2020 — Present · Corvallis, OR, US

   At STEMMbridge, we believe in the power of female and BIPOC founders to revolutionize deep-tech. We help them turn their science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medical (STEMM) ideas and research into successful, profitable businesses by offering strategic planning services. Our core focus is on securing non-dilutive funding that aligns perfectly with their company\'s vision and purpose.

Education

• Durham University

  B.Sc., Chemistry

  1983 — 1986

• Imperial College London

  Ph.D., Physical Chemistry

  1989 — 1993